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Arneldo · 30-11-2006, 03:39 PM

From media guardian:

Channel 4 is understood to have signed a deal to keep Big Brother for another two years.

The new deal with Big Brother producer Endemol is for a new two-year contract, which will run after the current agreement ends following next summer's eighth series.

Although the ITV director of television, Simon Shaps, is believed to have talked to Endemol about the contract, it is understood the network did not make a formal offer for Big Brother.

Endemol and Channel 4 have finalised details of the new deal, which includes further series of Celebrity Big Brother.

The deal is said to have been thrashed out by Channel 4 director of programmes, Kevin Lygo, and Endemol UK chief creative officer, Tim Hincks.

"Both sides are very happy with the deal," a source close to the talks said.

Sources familiar with the talks suggest the deal does not cover providing Big Brother content to Channel 4's proposed new social networking website, unveiled recently by chief executive Andy Duncan.

It is understood that Channel 4 and Endemol will hold separate negotiations about the website. Mr Duncan has suggested that potential Big Brother contestants for the next series will be able to apply via the website and post their audition videos online.

ITV's decision not to bid for the show meant that the price tag has fallen and it is thought that Channel 4 will be paying between £30m and £40m a year for the two future series.

There had been suggestions the price could rocket to as much as £70m if ITV entered a bidding war for Big Brother. Industry estimates suggest the broadcaster makes around £50m per year from the reality show.

MarkWaldorf · 30-11-2006, 03:43 PM

So it can last up to at least BB10?

Arneldo · 30-11-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Markus
So it can last up to at least BB10?

Yep - It means that if C4 want they can do a BB9, CBB6, BB10 and CBB7. And any other BB realted show if they wish (e.g TBB)

Princess · 30-11-2006, 04:38 PM

YAY!!!

Chrizzle · 30-11-2006, 04:39 PM

Omg i hope so
I can do BB10

Princess · 30-11-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chrizzle
Omg i hope so
I can do BB10

And me! We could be the new Prestelle

BigSister · 30-11-2006, 05:16 PM

Yay thats great news ^_^

stoney12 · 30-11-2006, 06:03 PM

BB has been signed to C4 until 2010.Good news its the best and possibly only channel that know how to produce it.

James · 30-11-2006, 06:15 PM

Another article...

Quote:

Thursday, 30 November 2006, 18:21 GMT

C4 secures Big Brother until 2010

Channel 4 has secured the rights to Big Brother until 2010 in a deal worth up to £180m, according to some estimates.

The company moved to reach an agreement with makers Endemol UK after ITV expressed interest in show's format.

There have been seven series of the globally popular format in the UK, with the finale of the last series being watched by up to 8.2m viewers.

Channel Four had the hit US desert island drama Lost poached by Sky in a £20m deal in October.

'Ultimate format'

The extended Big Brother commission includes spin-off programming Celebrity Big Brother, Big Brother's Little Brother, Big Brother's Big Mouth and E4 streaming.

Angela Jain, Channel 4 commissioning editor, said: "Channel 4 is the spiritual home of Big Brother.

"It remains the ultimate reality format and continues to deliver dramatic, innovative viewing as one of the UK's most talked about television programmes."

While being derided by some critics as low-brow TV, it has been a consistent ratings performer.

Big Brother 7 attracted an average audience of 4.7m viewers, up on the previous series which delivered an average 4.5m.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6196654.stm