ITV has postponed the highly anticipated Big Brother reboot.
The popular reality show was set to make its much-anticipated comeback in March next year, moving from Channel 4 to ITV2.
However, the programme has since been delayed due to the number of entertainment shows airing on the channel at the start of 2023 – such as Love Island and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: “Owing to the influx of big reality TV programming on air during the first half of 2022 we have taken the decision to move the transmission of Big Brother to a more prominent slot in the Autumn.”
“This gives our viewers a whole calendar of big reality TV formats across the year.”
When Big Brother returns to our screens, a new cast of carefully selected housemates from all walks of life will take up residence in the world’s most famous reality TV home for up to six weeks, with cameras capturing their every move, and the nation following every twist and turn.
The action will all play out under the roof of the iconic Big Brother house, which will be given its own contemporary new look ready for this reimagining of the show.
Longford native Maura Higgins is hotly tipped to host the revival series.
While fans previously assumed Davina McCall would get the gig, the presenter recently confirmed she would not be hosting the reboot.
Davina presented the show on Channel 4 from 2000 – 2010, before it moved to Channel 5 until 2018 where it was fronted by Brian Dowling and Emma Willis.
According to BoyleSports, support started to arrive for Maura to take over as the show’s new host with odds tumbling into even money from 5/1 last week.
Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Maura Higgins is being backed to become the new host of Big Brother as it makes a much-anticipated return to ITV2 next year.”
“After rising to stardom on Love Island in 2019, Higgins is now in the running to host the upcoming series with her odds sinking all the way into Even money from 5/1 this week.”
Back in August, The Sun reported that Maura was a frontrunner to host the revival series.
A source told the publication: “Producers are determined to distance themselves from former Big Brother names but the former favourite, Mo Gilligan, is now busy in the States.”
“Now bosses are looking at female stars who have the strength to hold the show together, while also the warmth to gently quiz contestants in the way that Davina McCall and Emma Willis did so well.”
“Maura is a homegrown ITV talent who has all that – plus of course looks great on screen.”
Maura was also tipped to host the 2023 series of Love Island, after Laura Whitmore announced her exit from the show last month.
However, Maya Jama has since landed the gig, and will host the show’s new winter series in early 2023.
