[Billy]

Channel 4 chiefs are meeting to consider the future of Big Brother, it has been reported.

Programmers are said to be considering a full-time move to E4, making it shorter, or even giving it a break for a year, because of falling ratings. The show could then potentially be relaunched in 2009, possibly with a new presenter.

Channel 4 bosses are meeting producers Endemol to consider the options, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Source DS

"Everyone has been frantic with worry about the way it has gone," an insider told the paper. "The most drastic plan is getting rid of the next series - but only for a year, as they hope the show will come back stronger.

"It would mean the end of an era in a sense, but might just save Big Brother. Everyone accepts something drastic has to be done because Big Brother's image has been really badly damaged."

Big Brother ratings peaked at series three with 5.8 million viewers and this season saw ratings dip to 3.8 million.

However, a spokesman for the broadcaster said: "Big Brother remains a fantastic programme for Channel Four and, as Davina announced on air during Friday night's programme, the search for next year's housemates will begin in November."