Channel Five interested in CBB

A spokesman for Channel Five has revealed that the broadcaster are “interested” in picking up the rights for Celebrity Big Brother.

This year’s series was the last ever one on Channel 4 after the corporation axed the show in August last year for “creative” reasons.

However CBB7 has been a ratings hit, averaging 3.3 million viewers to date. This is 300,000 up from CBB6’s average ratings for last year.

The success of this year’s series means that other broadcasters have shown an interest in acquiring the show.

Controller of Channel Five, Richard Woolfe told The Guardian: “Of course we’d be interested. What it’s absolutely shown is that we love to see celebrities facing jeopardy. There’s absolutely life in the Celebrity Big Brother format.”

Although Woolfe showed an interest in the Celebrity edition, he wasn’t too keen on the summer version of the show. “The main show probably needs to go away and be rejuvenated,” said Woolfe.

Despite the good ratings, Channel 4 said they wouldn’t change their decision. “We have no regrets about our decision not to recommission. The show had come to a natural end on Channel 4 and we are excited about the new things we have planned for the channel,” the broadcaster said.

BSkyB said that they were not discussing the programme with makers Endemol, while UK TV also ruled themselves out.

“The series now looks over-formatted and tired. It’s not one for any of UKTV’s entertainment channels,” said Christian Drobnyk, UKTV’s director of entertainment.

Cheif executive officer of Endemol Uk, Tim Hincks, said: “We’re focused on making it a brilliant show for Channel 4 this summer. I’ve no idea what we’ll be doing in a couple of years’ time.”

Speaking about the possibility of resting Big Brother for a few years, Hincks commented: “Sometimes its more fashionable, and sometimes its less fashionable. It doesn’t feel any less relevant now.”

Big Brother returns this summer for its last ever series on Channel 4.