BREAKING: Big Brother release statement announcing cancellation

It's been rumoured for MONTHS

Author: Polly ForemanPublished 14th Sep 2018
Last updated 14th Sep 2018

Big Brother bosses have released a statement on Twitter announcing that this upcoming series will be the last on Channel 5, and it will not return next year.

The statement, released by production company Endemol Shine UK, reads, 'We are incredibly proud of Big Brother which has consistently been the highest rated show for Channel 5 over the past seven years, with the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother being the channel’s highest rating show of the year, growing its’ audience year on year by 17% and tripling the channel’s slot average for 16-14s.

'This performance is credit to the fantastic production team, plus Emma, Rylan, Marcus and the many housemates over the years who have delivered so many unmissable series.'

It continues, 'Big Brother continues to be a global phenomenon. He UK is one of 20 countries where the show ill air in 2018, including the US where Celebrity Big Brother was recently renewed, four different versions in India and last month’s Celebrity Big Brother in Germany which saw a rise of 85% series on series.

'Whilst disappointment not to reach an agreement with Channel 5 the decision opens up a new chapter and we are excited about future possibilities for Big Brother in the UK.'

Presenter Rylan Clark-Neal also shared a statement on his own Twitter.

GALLERY: where are the Big Brother winners now?

Craig Phillips (winner of Big Brother 1 in 2000) then

Craig was the first ever winner of the series all the way back in 2000. He famously donated his entire £70,000 prize fund to his friend Joanne Harris who has Downs syndrome - to pay for her heart and lung transplant.

BREAKING: Big Brother release statement announcing cancellation
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And Channel 5 followed it up with tweets reading: "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."

"We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters - Emma on Big Brother and Rylan from Bit on the Side - for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments.

"Most importantly, we’d like to thank fans of the show for their support over the last seven years. We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send-off."

The new series of Big Brother, which starts tonight, will go ahead.

Big Brother starts tonight at 9PM on Channel 5.