BIG BROTHER IS BACK: CHANNEL 5 REACH FINAL TALKS WITH PRODUCER
ABOVE: Emma Willis is tipped to present Channel 5's Big Brother
BIG Brother is set to return to screens this summer as Channel 5 bosses finalise a deal with producers.
A celebrity edition of the spy-on-the-wall show could be on air in months according to a Channel 5 source.
And a series with members of the public, like the one that made Jade Goody famous, could be broadcast in the summer of 2012 after auditions this year.
It is thought talks between Channel 5 boss Richard Desmond and producers Endemol are “at an advanced stage”.
Mr Desmond, who also owns the Daily Star, has made no secret of his desire to bring the show back. A Channel 5 insider said: “Talks started last year. They didn’t get anywhere initially, but both sides kept in touch and discussions are most definitely back on again.
“The deal hasn’t been signed yet but top people are talking to each other. Watch this space.”
Former host Davina McCall, 43, backed the plans yesterday and tipped Big Brother’s Little Brother host Emma Willis, 34, to take over presenting.
She said Emma “loves the programme and is a great presenter”. She added: “Any channel that picks up BB would be a very lucky channel. But I think I’ve said goodbye.”
A Channel 5 spokeswoman declined to comment last night.
