"Big Brother" Has Confirmed a Launch Date For Its Iconic Return

Image Source: ITV

It's been five years since reality TV series "Big Brother" graced our screens, and now the show, dubbed the "ultimate social experiment", is gearing up for a comeback. Having already had two iterations in its history, airing on Channel 4 from 2000-2010, and then on Channel 5 from 2011-2018, ITV2 will be taking the reins this time as more housemates will enter the Big Brother house to take part in challenges and nominations in a bid to be crowned the winner.

While iconic "Big Brother" housemates have included none other than Alison Hammond and the late Jade Goody, it's also made household names out of the hosts. Davina McCall was host until 2010 and, when the series moved channels, season 2 winner Brian Dowling took over for two years, before Emma Willis was placed at the helm until it ended. So fans have been eagerly awaiting to hear news of the reality show comeback.

One of the most talked-about elements of the show has always been the design of the logo, and on 31 July, ITV revealed the 2023 version. The all-seeing eye logo has been striped, it's been coloured as the Union Jack, and been given a futuristic feel, and now it's covered in symbols. Bright, bold, and filled with block coloured hearts, lips, exclamation marks, and hashtags, it certainly packs a punch ahead of the show's return. Keep reading for all we know so far. . .

"Big Brother" 2023 Presenters

Image Source: ITV

On 25 April, ITV announced that there will be two presenters for the 2023 reimagining: AJ Odudu and Will Best. Best previously co-presented "Dance Dance Dance" on ITV alongside Alesha Dixon in 2017, and is a friend of Odudu's so the pair are sure to light up the screen. While Odudu recently presented "The Big Breakfast" and was a regular host of Channel 5's "Big Brother's Bit on the Side", so is a certified fan of the show. They will be on hand to grill the housemates on all the antics inside the house and host the evictions, as well as the nightly show debating the most controversial moments.

And it turns out that Odudu was actually handed over the metaphorical baton from iconic "Big Brother" presenter, McCall. In a new interview with Grazia, the presenter revealed: "The queen herself has given me her blessing." Odudu explained that McCall sent her a touching video message following the announcement, where she wished her all the best in her new presenting role. "She sent me an amazing video when I got the gig saying 'you are going to smash it'." McCall was well-known for hosting the series during its stint on Channel 4, where she made famous the phrase: "You are live on Channel 4 – please do not swear."

"Big Brother" 2023 Release Date

On 25 Sept., ITV finally confirmed the official start date, announcing that the reality show will kick off on Sunday, 8 October. "Big Brother: The Launch" will air at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2, and ITVX as the brand new batch of housemates enter the iconic house in front of a live audience. Following the launch show, viewers can catch all the action on ITV2 nightly from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX (apart from Saturdays), followed by a nightly hour-long show of exclusive content titled "Big Brother: Late & Live". The show will follow the same format we've grown to love, and even the live stream is making a comeback.

The countdown is now on for the return of the hit reality show. We'll see you in the diary room.