Desmond 'on verge of' bringing BB to C5 (terms agreed?)

[Matt]

Richard Desmond is understood to be on the verge of signing a deal with Endemol to bring Big Brother to Channel 5.

It is understood that the commercial terms have been agreed leaving just the official final sign-off by both parties, which is expected within days barring any 11th hour hiccups, to seal the deal. Big Brother came to an end after 10 years on Channel 4 in September.

The Channel 5 owner resumed negotiations with the show's producer, Endemol UK, after they ground to an acrimonious halt last autumn.

Final details relating to the fine tuning of how the format will return to the screen are currently being hammered out. According to one source the new version will be on a smaller scale than the Channel 4 hit, but will have a longer run. On Channel 4 the series ran for up to 13 weeks each year.

"Endemol need the money, which is why they've done the deal, having broken it off before," said one source. "Executives are now down to final details but broadly they are there."

Channel 5 and Endemol declined to comment.

There has been speculation that Davina McCall, the show's Channel 4 host, will return to the Channel 5 version.

Big Brother saw its popularity fade in recent years from its peak in 2002, when it was watched by an average of 5.3 million viewers and a record 9.2 million for the final, won by Kate Lawler. The final of last year's edition of the show, won by Josie Gibson, was watched by 4 million.

On Channel 4 the show's image never really recovered from the damage done by the Shilpa Shetty race row, which engulfed Celebrity Big Brother in January 2007, and declining audience numbers sealed its fate on the network.

However, the franchise could get a new lease of life on Channel 5. The amount of programming airtime that Big Brother delivers, with spin-offs including Celebrity Big Brother, and the viewing numbers – even at the reduced level of its final years on Channel 4 – would boost Channel 5's viewing share.

"Channel 5's ratings are not great and Big Brother will really help them deliver, particularly given there is nothing on the schedule or seemingly in the works to produce such numbers," said a second source.

News of the agreement comes ahead of a relaunch of the channel on Monday that will include new on-air branding, a fresh look for 5 News, presented by new signing Emma Crosby, and celebrity magazine spin-off show OK! TV fronted by former Big Breakfast presenter Denise Van Outen replacing Live at Studio Five.

Big Brother can expect to receive blanket coverage in Desmond's newspaper and magazine empire, but it remains to be seen how much attention it will get elsewhere in the tabloid press, which has gone cold on the show in recent years.

Source: MediaGuardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/feb/09/richard-desmond-big-brother-channel-5)

[Niamh.]

:amazed:

[Stu]

Despite everything I'm really pleased. But still worried at how it might turn out. I know Endemol still retain creative control of the show but I hope it doesn't change too drastically. I don't nessacerily think Big Brother has to be done different in order to bring viewers back. Just done right.

[Patrick]

All I Can Say Is,

Orgasm.

[Patrick]

Despite everything I'm really pleased. But still worried at how it might turn out. I know Endemol still retain creative control of the show but I hope it doesn't change too drastically. I don't nessacerily think Big Brother has to be done different in order to bring viewers back. Just done right.

This.

We don't want them aiming to high, you want it to be just right in order to maintain the 3 Million viewers it had.

If it can get more, amazing.

But they shouldn't try and revamp it too much, as it may 'scare' away some of it's fans thta have stayed with it.

[Niall]

:amazed: Omfg I hope this is true. :love:

It would be one hell of a birthday present if all this info is true. :amazed:

[Vicky.]

The only change that needs to be made is that it is NORMAL people going in. Not people with agents who have been contacted before auditions 'inviting' them to apply :rolleyes:

And maybe change it to vote to save too, but thats just me :p

[BigBrotherfan4ever]

Despite everything I'm really pleased. But still worried at how it might turn out. I know Endemol still retain creative control of the show but I hope it doesn't change too drastically. I don't nessacerily think Big Brother has to be done different in order to bring viewers back. Just done right.
Me too Stu
The only change that needs to be made is that it is NORMAL people going in. Not people with agents who have been contacted before auditions 'inviting' them to apply :rolleyes:

And maybe change it to vote to save too, but thats just me :p100% agree with you Vicky, should be everyday people.

I also meant to say i really hope this is true, i really cant wait to here one way or another if its coming back, i hope we here on Monday or even sooner, im so impatient...lol

[Matt]

I think an announcement on Monday is highly likely now. The return of Big Brother would get Channel 5 lots of publicity for its on-air relaunch.

[Sawyer]

Yes!! Can't wait for Monday! :D

[daniel-lewis-1985]

The only change that needs to be made is that it is NORMAL people going in. Not people with agents who have been contacted before auditions 'inviting' them to apply :rolleyes:

And maybe change it to vote to save too, but thats just me :p

And you think "NORMAL people" apply for Big Brother. Lets not be dillusional they are all wannabees.

ME INCLUDED.

[bbfan1991]

I think an announcement on Monday is highly likely now. The return of Big Brother would get Channel 5 lots of publicity for its on-air relaunch.

Indeed but it's not been long since it ended last year and IMO a revamp this summer is tricky, they should have more time to refresh the format. Maybe reduce the amount of weeks it runs for too because 13 weeks in BB11 was way too much...

[Vicky.]

And you think "NORMAL people" apply for Big Brother. Lets not be dillusional they are all wannabees.

ME INCLUDED.
Do you have an agent?

If not, you are fine :laugh:

[MTVN]

I'm still going to wait for official confirmation before I get too excited :laugh:

[Tony1111]

Fingers crossed theres a deal and its back in the Summer! :D

[Patrick]

I agree with Vicky.

If I was asked 'Okay we're bringing BB back but you can pick one thing you want us to change and we'll do it!'

I'd pick Vote To Save right away.

I'm still going to wait for official confirmation before I get too excited :laugh:

This.

I'm going to have a party, well when I say party I mean a few beers whilst watching old BB Clips on YouTube and talking to TiBBers and just being pumped on Monday.


rofl.

[bbfan1991]

Do you have an agent?

If not, you are fine :laugh:

I'm glad that one of my favourite housemates Freddie Fisher wasn't discovered through an audition but a member of BB spotted him at a mutual friends wrdding:joker:.

[BigBrotherfan4ever]

I just hope when the say longer series but smaller scale, this could mean they dont intend to bring back LiveFeed.:sad::sad:

[daniel-lewis-1985]

Do you have an agent?

If not, you are fine :laugh:

Im with an agency yeah lol

[Tony1111]

I kind of like the thought of having a smaller scaled series, Less luxuries will make the housemates cranky and more likely to find faults in others for fun which starts fights! :D

[Vicky.]

Im with an agency yeah lol

:bored:






:p

[daniel-lewis-1985]

Indeed but it's not been long since it ended last year and IMO a revamp this summer is tricky, they should have more time to refresh the format. Maybe reduce the amount of weeks it runs for too because 13 weeks in BB11 was way too much...

bb11 wasnt on for 13 weeks.

Silly rabbit.

[BB IS ALIVE]

I hope they only make minor changes to the format, such as rules and stuff. I think if they put in "normals" then its a winnner! A celeb version should happen first as more people will watch that and c5 can proove they can handle the show. Also why dont they have some live performances, great way to boost ratings!

[iRyan]

I don't want "normal" people.

The best part about Big Brother is the outlandish characters. Normal is boring.

[dizzy bint]

I hope they only make minor changes to the format, such as rules and stuff. I think if they put in "normals" then its a winnner! A celeb version should happen first as more people will watch that and c5 can proove they can handle the show. Also why dont they have some live performances, great way to boost ratings!


Arguably, BB has never contained 'normals'.

[Tony1111]

Yes, I'd hate to have another BB4. :p

[daniel-lewis-1985]

Arguably, BB has never contained 'normals'.

Even BB4?

[Patrick]

I don't want "normal" people.

The best part about Big Brother is the outlandish characters. Normal is boring.

I think Vicky means like people without agents.

If you look back at BB5, BB6 and BB7.

Three series people consider the golden years, none of those housemates [bar maybe one or two, if even] had agents or were offered onto the show.

Those 3 Series ESPECIALLY BB5 were packed with the best housemates we've ever gotten.

They weren't exactly normal, but they weren't already involved in the Media in some way or another where as tons of BB11 Housemates were.

Ben was practically asked to go on the show, as in skip the whole audition process and come on it automatically by a producer.


It ruins a big bit of the show.
It could be down to why the BB11 lot were so dull.

They didn't really want to be there, they were just invited on and paid no doubt.

Other Years, They all wanted to stay there because they fought through very long auditions to get there.

[Patrick]

I hope they only make minor changes to the format, such as rules and stuff. I think if they put in "normals" then its a winnner! A celeb version should happen first as more people will watch that and c5 can proove they can handle the show. Also why dont they have some live performances, great way to boost ratings!

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

NO! Why the in Satan's name would you ever want 'Live Performances' from ******ing talentless bellends like Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Bieber, Sugababes etc

These artists that seem to think they can sing because they top the charts now.

No.
I actually can't believe you suggested that.


'We're going to be finding out who's leaving the house... but first let's listen to Wilo Smith perform Whip My Hair :)'


Jesus.

[Patrick]

'It would boost ratings'

Okay, yeah..

'Who's watching Big Brother tonight?'
'Oh God, I stopped watching 5 years ago.'
'NO NO! Katy Perry is on singing'
:bored:


It's not X Factor.

[dizzy bint]

Even BB4?

You call that lot normal ?? :joker:

[DigitalMethod]

http://i54.tinypic.com/ioexkm.jpg

[Patrick]

http://i54.tinypic.com/ioexkm.jpg

:joker:

[Patrick]

I remember how much Ivana use to try and act cool by doing that Peace Out sign all the time, and it failed so much. :bored:

[Tony1111]

Well I can see the point of them showing a Celebrity version first merely to just pull in the viewers because Channel 5 isn't the most popular of channels but it'd have to be tabloid celebrities not the type of Famous and Fearless I don't mean to come across as bashing but I didn't particually want to find out more about the people on it.

[2k9david2k10]

yey hope sooo :D !!

[joeysteele]

I really hope it happens,It will do wonders for Channel 5 and its viewing ratings, no doubt on that one at all.

[JohnnyBB]

for some strange reason i keep thinking channel 5 will run big brother for the whole year, when they get the rights.

[Shaun]

Having a live performance on an eviction show might actually help, really. Can't do any harm...

[Vicky.]

I don't want "normal" people.

The best part about Big Brother is the outlandish characters. Normal is boring.

I didnt mean normal as in boring.

There are plenty of normal outgoing people around. I just think the whole auditions stage is really pointless if 90% of the housemates are 'invited' to apply. And half of them end up being ****e anyways


And as patrick said also...bb5 6 and 7 were filled with 'normal' people...not many of those were boring? All three of the series were miles better than bb11, which was filled with people with agents etc.

[Stu]

No live performances, please. Keep the show pure and to itself. Live performances tie in with absoloutely nothing and knowing how clued up the pushing-forty-trying-to-be-twenty Endemol team are to popular culture we will get the same Big Mouth hipster douche Example alikes.

[InOne]

They have been on the verge of signing for weeks. Doesn't even seem like new news really.

[Stu]

They were trying to agree to terms. Now the terms have been agreed.

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

http://i54.tinypic.com/ioexkm.jpg

omg :amazed:

[DigitalSid]

Will be interesting to see if anything more's said on The Wright Stuff tomorrow (though don't take anything that is as further proof, they're just as out of the loop as we are).

[davidrox2010]

I just hope that it means less spinoffs.
BBBM is enough. Then maybe we could have an interactive live stream like all the other countries have, brilliant ;)

[Omah]

The only change that needs to be made is that it is NORMAL people going in. Not people with agents who have been contacted before auditions 'inviting' them to apply :rolleyes:

And maybe change it to vote to save too, but thats just me :p

Nope, me too ..... :wavey:

[Omah]

arguably, bb has never contained 'normals'.

bb4 & bb5..... ;)

[letmein]

Guys, it is going to happen. So, stop praying for it to be true. Trust me.

[Beastie]

The format should stay sort of the same.. with a few changes.

- I think BB needs to become more like a gameshow! Everyone involved. EVERYONE having to "play the game" to suvive.
- ALWAYS a vote to SAVE. Yes Desmond.. WE KNOW you will get more money if it's a vote to EVICT. However viewers will end up switching off if the entertaining ones get evicted early on!
- Back to basics?? NO!! Although I would love the chickens to come back :D
- More booze and parties!
- A big colorful, spacious house! Maybe with a few secret rooms? And of course the Diary room :love: and an epic diary room chair!
- Amen!

[Beastie]

No live performances, please. Keep the show pure and to itself. Live performances tie in with absoloutely nothing and knowing how clued up the pushing-forty-trying-to-be-twenty Endemol team are to popular culture we will get the same Big Mouth hipster douche Example alikes.

I agree. The Live peformances in BB11 were irrelevant. Ben and his standup comedy, Corin and Andrew singing "Time of your life", Moley's "magic" performance.

Another thing.. There should be NO contact from the outside world what so ever!! I think when there is eviction maybe all the housemates should be in a seperate room so then they don't know who's a favourite? Then again it would be funny to hear the cheers and boo's! I remember in BB6 Davina announced all the housemate names individually when they were all up for eviction. It was in week 2 and Maxwell got the most cheers. His popularity sadly declined.

Also when it's about 2 weeks before the FINAL of BB.. there should be NO video message. Just one simple letter. BB needs to be strict and if a housemate complains they want a video message or another letter.. screw them!! All the housemates need to be told about all this no contact, the rules etc... before they enter the house!!

[Niamh.]

yeah I hated when they had to go and perform live in BB11 too. NO BLOODY CONTACT!!

[Beastie]

And you think "NORMAL people" apply for Big Brother. Lets not be dillusional they are all wannabees.

ME INCLUDED.

This. To be honest.. I couldn't care less if they were normal people or freaks or whatever. As long as they bring ENTERTAINMENT. And no.. entertainment is not someone skimping around in a bikini all summer....

A lot of normal people are not entertaining 24 7. BB4 had the most normal people I think. I did like BB4 and the innocence of it but we can't have people like that in a house again.

Maxwell I would describe as "normal" from bb6. Who was a fun, jack the lad type character!! Who got involved with everything. Not like Nathan from bb11 who was always in the kitchen! lol

There needs to be an extreme of ALL TYPES of people. Who think they are always right and actually have something to say! MAY HELL LET LOOSE!

[Beastie]

I'm glad that one of my favourite housemates Freddie Fisher wasn't discovered through an audition but a member of BB spotted him at a mutual friends wrdding:joker:.

I liked Freddie. The only one BB got right who they "spotted" and invited to the auditions. Suppose he still had to go through all the process. Bar round 1? lol

Cameltoe from last year who they "spotted" was a waste of space.

[Beastie]

Im with an agency yeah lol

Oh no. What's with all this agency crap? Okay I don't mind the odd one entering who is from an "agent" but it's all a load of bollocks. I don't know anyone who was from an "agent" who was entertaining?

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

Im with an agency yeah lol

O_______________O

[Tony1111]

Woah, Even Perez Hilton is blogging this story. I hope Monday's new line-up has Big Brother on and it'd be a good chance for Channel 5 to get more ratings by interviewing Desmond about it on the launch of "OK! TV" that night. :)

[Patrick]

Woah, Even Perez Hilton is blogging this story. I hope Monday's new line-up has Big Brother on and it'd be a good chance for Channel 5 to get more ratings by interviewing Desmond about it on the launch of "OK! TV" that night. :)

:shocked: Woah!

And yeah I agree.

[AJ.]

Whats the chances of us getting a proper series this year then or will it defo be CBB?

[DigitalSid]

Woah, Even Perez Hilton is blogging this story. I hope Monday's new line-up has Big Brother on and it'd be a good chance for Channel 5 to get more ratings by interviewing Desmond about it on the launch of "OK! TV" that night. :)

He was a friend of Jade's so will have watched the show.

[DigitalSid]

No mention of this on this week's Wright Stuff tv review (probably doesn't mean anything)