Channel 5 have confirmed ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ have been axed.
The show’s 19th series will begin later tonight (14.09.18) – hosted by Emma Willis for the final time – and the channel have revealed it will be the last season for both the civilian series, which began on Channel 4 in 2000, and the celebrity version.
They said in a statement: "The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last – of either celebrity or civilian versions – on Channel 5.
"We’d like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success.
"We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters – Emma on Big Brother and Rylan from Bit on the Side – for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments.
"Most importantly, we’d like to thank fans of the show for their support over the last seven years. We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send-off."
‘Big Brother’s Bit on the Side’ host Rylan Clark-Neal – who won ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in January 2013 – is "saddened" to hear the show has been axed, and hopes the programme will return one day.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, he said: "After 6 years working on one of the most iconic shows on television I’m saddened to hear the news Big Brother won’t be returning.
"It has been the biggest privilege being a housemate, a winner and a host on my favourite show on the television.
"To work with Emma, Marcus and the amazing team on BOTS every day and have made friends for life I’m truly the luckiest guy in the industry.
"I hope one day Big Brother will return but my focus now, as with the rest of the team is to make our last series the best yet.
"I’d like to thank all of our guests, Endemol and Channel 5 for having me and most of all the viewers for sharing this amazing journey.
"I learned how to host a show on the job here and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity. R x (sic)"
Ryan Thomas won the last ever series of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, which came to a conclusion on Monday night (10.09.18).
‘Big Brother’ aired on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2010 before switching to Channel 5 from 2011.
The final ‘Big Brother’ series starts tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
Channel 5 axe Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother
