[LEE]

I've just received the following press release which confirms Dermots comments about the start date.

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We can now confirm that Big Brother's start date on Channel 4 will be Friday 23rd May. Full listings for that day are attached below:

20.30-21.30
BIG BROTHER: LIVE LAUNCH SHOW
Big Brother is back. The multimedia event of the summer returns to Channel 4 with a new house, new tasks and, most importantly, twelve brand new housemates ready to take the Big Brother challenge. Join DAVINA MCCALL tonight as the twelve enter the house and catch their very first moments together. As in previous years the group will live together in the Big Brother house, cut off from the outside world for nine weeks as cameras and microphones record their every move, day and night. As always, it's the viewers who decides who stays and who goes, but whatever the outcome Big Brother is always totally unpredictable...and utterly compelling
Exec Prod: Gigi Eligoloff; Marion Farrelly Series Ed: Simon Welton Prod co: Endemol UK

22.45-23.50
BIG BROTHER: LAUNCH NIGHT SPECIAL
DAVINA MCCALL hosts this special launch night show with live updates and all the action as it happens live from the Big Brother house.
Exec Prod: Gigi Eligoloff; Marion Farrelly Series Ed: Simon Welton Prod co: Endemol UK

00.25-02.00
BIG BROTHER LIVE
It's the housemates' very first night together - how are they getting on? Find out live and direct from the Big Brother house
Exec Prod: Gigi Eligoloff Prod co: Endemol UK

Further listings will be available 14th May

E4's Big Brother streaming will also kick off that night. Viewers can tune into the house live from 9.30pm-10.45pm and again from 11.50pm right the way through the night.