[Marc]

Just announced on Facebook, Endemol and channel 5 have signed a deal for two more years of BB

Channel 5 sign two-year deal with Endemol UK to broadcast Big Brother
03-Apr-2012
Contact: Carly Beake 0207 436 363

Channel 5 can today announce that they have signed a new two-year deal with Initial, an Endemol company, for exclusive rights to broadcast Big Brother until the end of 2014.


The series has proven to be huge ratings hit for the channel and a firm favourite with reality TV fans. Since Big Brother’s launch on Channel 5 in 2011, five million new viewers have come to the Channel 5 family.


The launch show of Celebrity Big Brother in August 2011 was the most popular commissioned show in the channel’s 15-year history. Celebrity Big Brother has averaged three million viewers during its two runs.


While Celebrity Big Brother was on air (2011 & 2012 series), Channel 5 was the most popular commercial channel amongst young people across the 9.00pm - 11.00pm slot. .
The first ‘classic’ series of public Big Brother (September 2011) averaged 1.7m over its 10-week run, with viewing to the 9-11pm slot increasing by 54% amongst 16-34 year olds.


In addition, during the traditional summer run of Big Brother this year, Channel 5 will also be airing a second celebrity series of 2012 following the ‘classic’ series. Brian Dowling will be returning to present the main live show.


Big Brother’s spin-off show ‘Bit On the Side’ will also be returning with host Emma Willis. TV’s most iconic voiceover artist Marcus Bentley will also be returning to report on the housemates’ antics!


Internationally 25 series of Big Brother were broadcast in 87 countries in 2011 and the format continues to be a breakout hit in the major markets including the USA, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Latin America and in Central and Eastern Europe.


Jeff Ford, Director of Programmes, Channel 5 said: “We’re hugely excited to have secured the return of Big Brother for Channel 5 which will continue to form a key part our programming schedule. The show so far has captivated the energy and vibrancy of the channel and we are looking forward to continuing this successful relationship.”


Nick Samwell-Smith, Creative Director of Initial comments: "We are delighted with the success of Big Brother on Channel 5. The show continues to thrive and I'm thrilled to be renewing our partnership with the channel for another two years."


Channel 5’s Head of Factual Entertainment, Steve Gowans, will oversee the new series of Big Brother.


The series will continue to be filmed in its original home of Elstree Film Studios, produced by Endemol UK production arm Initial.

http://about.channel5.com/node/1566