[Patrick]

As we prepare for the last series on Channel 4, we ask can Big Brother really survive on another channel?

Big Brother definitely hasn’t stayed out of the spotlight since it began in 2000 in a small house in Bow, East London. Whether the news be positive or negative, the show has never failed to create a stir in the media. It’s the reality show that many have loved to hate. Channel 4 announced last year that Big Brother 11 would be its last on the channel, leaving Endemol in the dark about Big Brother 12.

The show has been Channel 4’s flagship for the past ten years, bringing in some of the best ratings that the channel has seen. However in recent years, the format seems to have been neglected. Gone is the series hype with clever advertising on billboards and the 24 hour live feed; could this have really dampened the show’s future?

Endemol, the show’s producers, will be eager to find a new home for the programme once it has finished. Five and Sky ruled out taking on the reality show, but then it emerged that Five may be interested in the popular Celebrity Big Brother format. One major hurdle which Endemol face is persuading broadcasters that Big Brother still has a future. With Channel 4 neglecting the show, the show’s ratings have slid away. Some night’s only attracting a mere 2 million viewers, only a few years earlier, a highlights show may have attracted 5 or 6 million.

If Endemol could secure a deal with another channel, then perhaps the format could be saved. Being rid of the heavy restraints and budget cuts, the show could come out of the black hole that it is currently sat in. Bigger advertising campaigns would be a big element in its success, proving to the general public that Big Brother is back, bigger and better than ever. Another factor which would ultimately seal its fate would be the execution of the series; clever twists and tasks are needed to give the highlights shows a much needed boost. The housemates are also very important, gimmicks and ‘clear winners’ are no good for the show. Where have all of the ‘normal’ civilians gone?

Finally, Davina MUST stay! Big Brother isn’t Big Brother without her. The ratings would slump even further if she was to be sacked. The original format must also remain, but with decisive changes.

Big Brother could have a bright future on another broadcaster if the right changes were made and enough support was pledged by the channel to support it!

-Inside Big Brother