'Big Brother' Channel 5 deal 'weeks away'

[raliverpool]

'Big Brother' Channel 5 deal 'weeks away'
Saturday, January 29 2011, 20:27 GMT
Digitalspy.co.uk By Daniel Sperling, Entertainment Reporter

Talks to bring Big Brother to Channel 5 are at "an advanced stage", industry insiders have claimed.[/b]

Broadcast reports that negotiations between the reality show's production company Endemol and Richard Desmond, the owner of Channel 5, have re-opened in recent months and a final deal could be just a few weeks away.

The publication claims that the agreement could tie Big Brother to the broadcaster for as long as five years, though this could be reduced if performance targets are missed.

Desmond is also believed to be interested in relaunching Celebrity Big Brother and extending the main programme's run past the traditional 13-week mark.

Desmond had identified Big Brother as an ideal format for the rebranded Channel 5 following his £103.5 million takeover in July 2010. However, talks broke down in September, allegedly over Desmond's determination to pay less than the estimated £70 million price tag attached to Channel 4's three-year contract for the programme in 2006.

Big Brother concluded its 11th and final series on Channel 4 on August 24, 2010. The show's 'last' episode, which saw series two champion Brian Dowling win an Ultimate competition, aired 17 days later and ended with the message "Big Brother will get back to you."

If true are you pleased with this news, or do you think they should let it lie?

[Jordan]

There'll always be an audience for it, so I don't think they should leave it alone. But I do think the price tag is ABSURD and it would probably have been best to make it a digital series or something. I can see a transition from TV channels to online viewing in the next few years, thanks to the convenient 4od and iPlayer services. A cult show like Big Brother would be a good way to kick things off.

[Deleted]

Looking more and more likely now, but it won't be presented by Davina McCall as she has announced she has moved on from the show.

uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20110210/ten-big-brother-may-go-to-channel5-ea4616c.html
www.officialdavina.com/blog/2011/02/09/something_nice_for_a_better_life-160

[Drunkster]

Feb 10, 2011 19:49:37 GMT 1 Mark said:

it won't be presented by Davina McCall as she has announced she has moved on from the show.

Good! She became a characature of herself presenting that and it's time she retired from it. Not that I don't like her - she's good on Biggest Loser etc

[ThinWhitePuke]

Audiences have been declining for years, this freakshow and a C5 channel no one watches are perfect for each other.

[Deleted]

Just seen a tweet from Ch5 to watch out for an accouncement in the next few weeks. Looks like a deal has been signed or about to.

[Deleted]

Feb 11, 2011 9:13:52 GMT 1 Drunkster said:

Feb 10, 2011 19:49:37 GMT 1 Mark said:

it won't be presented by Davina McCall as she has announced she has moved on from the show.

Good! She became a characature of herself presenting that and it's time she retired from it. Not that I don't like her - she's good on Biggest Loser etc

Thinking about who her replacement could be, i'd like to see it go to Emma Willis who co-hosted BBLB last year, and came across as very enthusiastic about the show.

[Deleted]

Ch5 are extremely close to signing the deal now.

[ManicKangaroo]

Channel 5 has announced that fly-on-the-wall series Big Brother, will return to British TV screens later this year.

The deal with Big Brother creators and production company, Endemol UK, will see Channel 5 hold the exclusive rights to the series in a two year deal.

Jeff Ford, Channel 5 Director of Programmes said: “We’re hugely excited to have secured the return of Big Brother for Channel 5 which will form a key part of this year’s schedule.

“The series has previously captivated a decade of television viewers and we aim to bring, Channel 5’s energy, optimism and vibrancy to the series.”

The new reign of Big Brother will commence with an all star celebrity version later this summer followed by a brand new series featuring members of the public.

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

Tim Hincks, Chief Executive Officer of Endemol UK, said: “Big Brother has a passionate and loyal fan base in the UK and I’m delighted it has found a new home on Channel 5.

Ten years on it’s as potent and cutting edge as ever and it’s still one of the only truly multiplatform entertainment brands.”

[Paul]

It looks like C5 is planning Big Brother overkill in the coming months. They have a celebrity edition lined up for August, a civilian edition in the Autumn and then another celebrity edition in January.

[Jordan]

They may as well milk it, it's the best thing they've got apart from Neighbors imo.

[o]

Got to try and cash in I guess, whether it will be a financial success will be interesting...
I see they have some 3 part on at the mo following Josie after she left the house, I could only stand 5 minutes of it!