Exclusive
BROING LIVE
Huge change to Big Brother ahead of celebrity series as ITV takes show back to its roots
And how the change could help bosses save a few more surprises for the series
CELEBRITY Big Brother will revive an old-school element fans felt was missing from the rebooted version – a live launch show.
When ITV introduced the latest incarnation of Big Brother last year, they included all the best bits of the house, compiled a brilliant line-up of housemates and brought back the famous theme tune.
2
Now the celebrity spin-off, which launches next month, is going back to the live start.
‘More surprises’
The first outing, hosted by Will Best and AJ Odudu, was all pre- recorded, which was a break from the show’s tradition on both Channel 4 and Channel 5.
A TV insider said: “Producers wanted to bring back that anything-could-happen feel to Celebrity Big Brother’s kick-off, even if it will be a bit more of a nerve-wracking experience for them.
“It will also ensure the bosses will be able to save a few more surprises, in terms of the famous housemates they plan to unveil on the night.
READ MORE TV NEWS
“AJ and Will proved themselves hugely capable hosts on the “civilian” series, so there’s no fear they won’t be able to handle the live launch and take it in their stride.”
Celebrity Big Brother first aired on Channel 4 in March 2001 as a Comic Relief special, with Davina McCall holding the reins.
It was a matter of months after the original version that had taken the TV world by storm.
Famous faces
If anything, the spin-off’s live launch had even more eyes on it as it combined the experimental nature of the show with a line-up of famous faces.
Most read in News TV
Celebrity Big Brother eye revealed as explosive series is set to kick off in just weeks
They included Brookside actress Claire Sweeney and Boyzone singer Keith Duffy.
They both ended up being runners- up to eventual winner, comedian Jack Dee, with a whopping 4.8million tuning in on the first night.
Now it’s going live, I reckon ITV might just get similar figures if it is very lucky.
Zara on killings
ZARA McDERMOTT will be investigating the Idaho University murders in a new true crime documentary.
The ex-Love Islander turns her attention to the 2022 deaths of four US students in The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok, coming soon on BBC Three.
She will meet online crime sleuths who took it upon themselves to find the killer in videos viewed more than two billion times, after police failed to turn up a suspect.
Zara said: “I’m keen to find out why true crime is such a big topic online and the impact on those involved.”
RAYMOND Blanc is taking viewers behind the scenes of royal homes to cook in the gardens.
The ten-part Royal Kitchen Gardens features recipes based on ingredients found at the properties. Locations include the apple tunnel at Highgrove.
It runs on ITV1 and ITVX from Sunday at 11.30am.
Striking miners' stories
FORMER coal miners are stepping forward to share their experiences of the miners’ strike, 40 years on from the bitter dispute.
Miners’ Strike: A Frontline Story, which airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Sunday, sees 15 men and women recall the events of the 1984-85 walkout.
2
Former miner Dave Nixon reveals: “My memories are of humour and passion, interspersed with anger and determination.
“I was proud to be part of one of those rare historical events whereby thousands of common folk challenged a government who had no compassion for working people.
“Sadly, with the passing of time, those memories will fade, and it is important for the next generation to know and understand why we stood up and fought.”
CHANNEL 4’s answer to America’s Next Top Model will be available to watch next week.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
As I revealed last year, the series, which can be streamed online from Monday, will follow modelling stars at Zebedee Talent.
Over three episodes, cameras follow them from London Fashion Week to Venice.
Topics