Big Brother’s epic reboot plans revealed – including surprise change to launch night
WITH just weeks to go, the reboot of Big Brother is fast becoming one of the TV events of the year.
Now I can reveal that the ITV2 reinvention of the reality TV epic will kick off with a launch show on ITV1.
That’s the most prominent location that BB has ever been given, having started life on Channel 4 in 2000 before moving to Channel 5 in 2011, then being axed in 2018.
A TV insider said: “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.
“This is something which has never been done before. Even when Love Island was at the height of its pulling power, it never had a launch show on ITV1.
“Bosses really want the BB reboot to work and are hoping it will prove just as sensational as when it first launched 23 years ago.”
The reinvention, which will be hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, has received a string of boosts which are adding to the sense of anticipation for the launch.
Last week it was revealed that ITV has already committed to two series of the new BB — one this autumn, the other next year.
And telly bosses also dropped the biggest hint yet that there’s likely to be a celebrity spin-off version, teasing that Big Brother fans should “watch this space”.
Live feed
Paul Mortimer, ITV’s Head of Reality TV and ITV2, also confirmed: “We have a 10pm show after the 9pm show — so two hours of Big Brother every evening.
“Then from 11pm you can go to ITVX to watch the live feed into the small hours.”
Nobody could say ITV aren’t fully invested in this . . .
THE IDOL IS GIVEN THE AXE
RAUNCHY drama series The Idol has been axed after just one series following a string of brutal reviews.
It landed on Sky Atlantic and HBO in June amid a flurry of publicity for its big-name cast, including Lily-Rose Depp in the lead role, and The Weeknd, who is also executive producer.
But critics and viewers widely panned the five-part series, which featured graphic and at times abusive sex scenes.
Despite the open-ended finale, HBO has now confirmed its demise.
A spokeswoman said: “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers, have decided not to move forward with a second season.”
NETFLIX has released the trailer for Michael Fassbender movie, The Killer, which drops on November 10.
He plays an assassin in the dark thriller from David Fincher who directed the films Se7en and Fight Club and produced Netlfix’s brilliant Mindhunter and House of Cards series.
GOGGLE BOX FOR GORKA
GORKA MARQUEZ joked he’d need gardening gear to help fiancée Gemma Atkinson with intimate grooming before the birth of their son.
In a first look at their new series, Gemma & Gorka Behind The Lens, the Strictly star said he’d have to don his “helmet and goggles” to help with her nether regions.
Gorka – who has daughter Mia, four, and one-month-old son Thiago with the actress – tells Gemma: “Shave your armpits . . . it’s like my beard. I remember with Mia when you asked me to shave you down there, now I’ll need the garden shears.”
Discussing her post-birth body, he adds: “I just hope it goes back to normal.”
Gemma jokes: “If you had an issue with it I’d just tell you to jog on.” The show airs tonight at 8pm on W.
LIKE most tourists Gordon Ramsay, Fred Sirieix and Gino D’Acampo indulged in some dancing and drinking when they went to Spain.
But on their Road Trip show, which returns on ITV on Sunday, they weren’t necking pints of lager while doing the Macarena.
As the trio of foodies traversed Andalusia, they tried drinking local sherry – with Gino pouring it into Fred’s mouth on a bar top – before being dragged on stage to try a bit of traditional flamenco dancing.
Showing off their moves came moments after Fred discussed how much he’d enjoyed his brief moment competing on the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing.
While the usually fiery Gordon sounded emotional as he described daughter Tilly taking part in the BBC1 show saying it was “the proudest moment of my life.”
I’m not sure she’ll give him the same glowing review when she witnesses his dad dancing this weekend.
HIT Australian drama The Newsreader is returning to the BBC for a second series.
Anna Trov and Sam Reid return as the “golden couple” and again navigate dramas on and off screen.
The Beeb’s Sue Deeks said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome back the News At Six team.”