[supertv247]

according to the Daily Star...

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/big-b...-Island-launch

Channel 5's contract for the show comes to an end this year and, while talks are still ongoing with production company Endemol, they are yet to re-sign the programme.

Sources tell Daily Star Online the civilian series of Big Brother 2018 has been confirmed to start either the last week of August, or the first week of September.

This means a Friday launch night would take place on August 31 or Septemeber 7.

"Big Brother bosses are open about the fact they don't want to take on Love Island in the ratings," a source explained.

"They have revamped the casting team behind the scenes in a bid to shake things up in terms of casting new housemates.

"The show won't start until the end of August at the very earliest."

But that's not all.

The controversy-loving show which once gave us stars like Jade Goody and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, is set to be the longest ever.

Currently Big Brother 8 in 2007 was the longest lasting 94 days – just over thirteen weeks.

"Everyone is being told to leave at least twelve weeks free," a second insider added.

"They are saying it could be the longest ever and are making people aware a fourteen-week stretch in the house is highly possible."