Big Brother axed: No new series this year – will it ever return to TV?

Big Brother has been axed by Channel 5 meaning there is no new series in 2019.

If you’ve been wondering when Big Brother starts this year, there’s bad news.

Channel 5, who used to air the series, confirmed last autumn neither Celebrity Big Brother or Big Brother will be returning to its channel.

Channel 5 said at the time: “The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last – of either celebrity or civilian versions – on Channel 5.

“We’d like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success.

“We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters – Emma on Big Brother and Rylan from Bit on the Side – for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments.

“Most importantly, we’d like to thank fans of the show for their support over the last seven years. We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send-off.”

Big Brother had aired on Channel 5 since 2011, when it took over the show from Channel 4 where it started in 2000.

Production company Endemol said in a statement at the time: “Whilst disappointed not to reach an agreement with Channel 5 the decision opens up a new chapter and we are excited about future possibilities for Big Brother in the UK.”

Although there’s been talk of the show moving to a new channel once more, nothing has been confirmed just yet.

Bit On The Side’s Rylan said last year: “It’s a massive part of my life and I know it can be even better with the right TLC.

“I’d do everything in my power to make sure CBB and the civilian BB are still on the air.”

He vowed: “I will fight to the death to make sure it never goes away. If I had the money and owned the channel, I would buy the programme and film it in my garden.”

Without Big Brother, Rylan has landed a new hosting job presenting Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off It Takes Two alongside Zoe Ball.

Meanwhile, with the show no longer on air, the Big Brother UK house has since been demolished after almost two decades.

But before the house was bulldozed, Emma Willis got the chance to pinch a few pieces of memorabilia for herself.

She confessed to OK! Magazine: “I went on a right robbing spree!

“The golden cockerel, which is now outside my front door. The badger behind the sofa in the living room is also in my house.”

The current Big Brother house in Elstree has been home to the show since 2002, with the first two series airing from a different site in Bow, London.