By Martin Cole-
Celebrity Big Brother fans will return to our screens as the Diary Room doors re-open again next month Down Under.
The UK version of the popular reality TV show, which saw celebrity housemates isolated from the outside world in a custom built house, ended in 2018 and was won by former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas.
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The series which is expected to span 11 episodes, will see 12 celebrities live together in Big Brother’s first ever ‘luxury hotel’ – but of course, there’ll be a Big Brother twist waiting for them, as well as the chance to win a $100,000 prize for charity
Celebrity Big Brother Australia, with Meghan Markle’s half-brother Thomas Markle Jr, has received its UK air date.
Announcing the ‘return’ of Big Brother, E4 explained that the famous faces will be seen living in plush ‘hotel’ accommodation, rather than a BB house.
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Hosted by Sonia Kruger, we’ll see the celebrities challenged by the almighty Big Brother as they spend every waking moment together, compete in house tasks, nomination challenges and shocking evictions.
Among the participants includes former political candidate, Caitlyn Jenner; Married at First Sight Australia contestant Jessika Power; half-brother to the Duchess of Sussex, Thomas Markle Jr.; Australian Survivor’s Luke Toki; model and actress Ellie Gonsalves.
Also participating are models Josh Carroll and Imogen Anthony; former Australian Football League player Dayne Beams; actor Bernard Curry; BB Aus 2021 contestant Daniel Hayes; former National Rugby League player Matt Cooper and author and former political aide, Omarosa Manigault Newman.
Banijay format Celebrity Big Brother Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia for the Seven Network.
The winner will walk away with a huge cash prize for charity, worth £53,000.
“The Diary Room Doors are preparing to open Down Under,” E4 said in a statement.
“Over 11 episodes, this celebrity series will see 12 celebrities live together in Big Brother’s first ever ‘luxury hotel’ – but of course, there’ll be a Big Brother twist waiting for them, as well as the chance to win a $100,000 prize for charity.”
Big Brother VIP also stars a slew of Australian celebs, including Australian Survivor contestant Luke Toki, actor Bernard Curry and model and actress Ellie Gonsalves.
The series, which aired Down Under in November 2021, is hosted by Sonia Kruger, who also presents The Voice Australia and the civilian series of Big Brother Australia.
Vlogger Cameron Cole, then 22, was crowned the final winner of the iconic programme on November 5.
His triumph followed that of ex Corrie star Ryan Thomas, who had been announced the last winner of Celebrity Big Brother in August.
Prior to BB 2018 airing, a Channel 5 spokesman had confirmed: “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.”
Big Brother first launched on UK screens in 2000, with Davina McCall at the helm. Dermot O’Leary presented spin-off show Big Brother’s Little Brother.
In 2011, the show moved to Channel 5 and BB 2001 winner Brian Dowling took over hosting duties. He was later replaced by Emma Willis. Rylan Clark, meanwhile, began presenting spin-off Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.
It also stars Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Caitlyn Jenner and Married at First Sight Australia contestant Jessika Power who now lives here in Manchester.
The series will air 11 episodes with 12 stars entering the house for a chance to win a $100,000 prize for charity.
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