Channel 5 bosses deny claims Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother to be axed
A report stated both shows would be "consigned to the dustbin" after contracts run out later this year
CHANNEL 5 bosses have denied claims they're axing Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother — saying the show's contracts will probably be extended when they run out later this year.
A newspaper yesterday reported Big Brother, presented by Emma Willis, will be “consigned to the dustbin for good".
But The Sun's Bizarre column understands bosses still see the show as a major feature of the Channel 5 schedules and will hold talks about further series when their current deal expires at the end of the year.
A Big Brother source said: "Channel 5 already has a deal in place for another civilian version of Big Brother and a Celebrity Big Brother which will both air later this year.
"It's still a very successful show for Channel 5, with millions of viewers, so obviously there will be discussions with the production company about extending the show beyond that.
"It's far too early to suggest it's the end of Big Brother, quite the opposite, so fans can relax.
"An extension of the deal is likely, it's just that those conversations haven't happened yet."
A second TV industry source yesterday also labelled the claims "untrue" and said claims they're going to pull the plug on the show are "pure speculation."
The reality TV classic has been on British TV screens for 18 years, though ratings have dropped since it was first aired on Channel 4 with Davina McCall as host.
The current series of CBB drew its lowest ever launch show ratings, but still attracted 2.4million loyal fans.
But it faces stiff competition from similar reality shows thanks to the success of ITV2 rival Love Island and upcoming new series Survival of the Fittest.
