‘Big Brother’ fans have been given fresh hope the show will survive when it leaves Channel 5 later this year.
The network officially axed the show last week, but one of its bosses has said it is “highly likely” it will continue in some way, shape or form.
Peter Salmon, chief creative officer of production company Endemol Shine, which produces the show told the Guardian: “There are other roads you can take with this format so we’re pretty optimistic.
“It’s currently on in five more territories this year than it was last year … It’s on in 20 at the moment, the UK is just one of them. It’s one of these superbrands that has a life beyond television channels, whether it’s on new platforms or living in a digital space.
“I think it’s highly likely, from conversations we’re having, that it will continue here,” he added.
It was recently claimed ‘Big Brother’ could move to ITV, after The Times published a report saying the network is currently in conversations to buy the production company that makes the show.
‘Big Brother’ began on Channel 4 in 2000, before moving to Channel 5 in 2011 after Channel 4 axed the show.
By the time the current series wraps up later this year, 19 civilian, 22 celebrity series, one ‘Ultimate’, one ‘Teen’, one ‘Celebrity Hijack’ and one ‘Panto’ series will have aired.
In a statement, production company Endemol previously said they were “disappointed” not to reach an agreement whether to renew the show with Channel 5, but “are excited about future possibilities for ‘Big Brother’ in the UK”.
Host Emma Willis fought back tears as she discussed the show’s demise on spin-off show ‘Bit On The Side’ last week.
“This should be a positive thing,” she said. “We should just show everyone how fucking great it is, and we should love it and embrace it and give it the send-off it deserves.”
‘Big Brother’ airs Sunday to Friday at 10pm on Channel 5.