ITV has confirmed it has signed a deal with Banijay to launch a brand new series of Big Brother UK on ITV2 next year, following months of speculation.
The reality phenomenon, often credited with revolutionising television, has been off air in the UK since 2018 after it was dropped by Channel 5.
Since April, rumours about ITV's interest in rebooting the show have steadily intensified, culminating in a report today that it had reached an agreement with production company Banijay, which took over Endemol Shine in 2020.
Now, Britain's biggest commercial broadcaster has finally given fans the good news they've been awaiting, confirming BBUK will be revived in 2023 on digital channel ITV2 and streaming service ITVX, after almost five years off air.
Many hallmark features will be returning, including nominations, LIVE evictions and "carefully selected" housemates from "all walks of life".
Bosses have also pledged that viewers will get to "vote throughout the series" and decide the winner – although crucially, their statement does not explicitly promise public eviction voting.
ITV will be the third home of Big Brother UK after Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Additionally, the new run is slated to last just six weeks, making it the shortest regular edition in BBUK history. However, it is believed that ITV intends to take the format 'back to basics' so it has room to grow.
No details about the new house or location have been disclosed, although it will feature a "contemporary new look". The previous house, located at Elstree Studios, was demolished in 2019.
Following tradition, the official announcement was heralded by a special one-off 'eye flash' advert, which appeared on air during the grand final of Love Island.
The 20-second clip begins with the signature black-and-turquoise ITV2 branding, which distorts and zooms out to reveal an eye logo, before an end board teases 2023 as the comeback year.
It is accompanied by a classic remix of Paul Oakenfold and Andy Gray's theme music, suggesting that the iconic house track will be retained.
Paul Mortimer, controller of ITV2, said: "This refreshed, contemporary new series of Big Brother will contain all the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time round, but with a brand new look and some additional twists that speak to today's audience.
"We're beyond excited to bring this iconic series to ITV2 and ITVX where it should especially engage with our younger viewers."
BBUK will continue to be helmed by Banijay subsidiary Initial, which has recently welcomed two heavyweight reality TV producers in senior roles.
Former I'm A Celebrity bigwig Natalka Znak was appointed the label's CEO in December, while Claire O'Donohoe – co-executive producer of the fan-favourite BB7 – is now its director of programmes.
Working with Initial's managing directors, Cat Lynch and long-time BB chief Katy Manley, their brief includes "reinvigorating legacy brands" for the UK market.
Znak commented: "Big Brother is the original and best reality format and one that I have never made before so it's a huge privilege to be making an all new version with ITV2 and ITVX. This is going to be epic!"
ITV's deal means that Big Brother has now earned the rare distinction of being picked up by all four major terrestrial broadcasters. In addition to C4 and C5, the first Celebrity edition jointly aired on BBC One as part of Comic Relief.
Further details about ITV2's plans for BBUK will be revealed in the coming months, but the press has already suggested that bosses intend to cut ties with its past incarnations.
The Sun suggests presenters Davina McCall, Emma Willis or Rylan are not likely to return – the latter despite his continued public loyalty to the show – with comedian Mo Gilligan now said to be top of the hosting wish list.
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