BIG BROTHER'S ITV RELAUNCH TO SIMULCAST ON ITV1 -REPORTS

The Big Brother house has a brand new home, as the global television phenomenon makes its much anticipated return to UK television this October. The Sun newspaper reports that the launch show will simulcast on ITV's main channel ITV1, with the remainder of the series continuing on ITV2.

A source told The Sun: "ITV wanted to make sure the comeback landed with a bang so they will kick things off by giving it the most high-profile spot possible. They’re hoping that a sensational start will hook the maximum number of viewers on the main channel, then bring them across to ITV2 for the rest of the series."

A new cast of carefully selected housemates, from all walks of life, will take up residence in the world’s most famous reality TV home for up to six weeks, with cameras capturing their every move, and the nation following every twist and turn.

Produced by Initial (part of Banijay UK) Big Brother first launched on UK screens in 2000. The action will all play out under the roof of the iconic Big Brother house, located at The Garden studios in London, which will be given its own contemporary new look ready for this reimagining of the show.

Clever tasks, nail-biting nominations and live evictions will be back, with the public once again playing a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will walk away with a life changing cash prize. Live feed will be streamed on ITVX every night into the small hours.

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality at ITV said: “This refreshed, contemporary new series of Big Brother will contain all the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time round, but with a brand new look and some additional twists that speak to today’s audience. We’re beyond excited to bring this iconic series to ITV2 and ITVX where it should especially engage with our younger viewers.”

Big Brother launches this October on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX. TV Zone approached ITV for comment on this report.