Big Brother start date is CONFIRMED by ITV as fans anticipate the return of the iconic show

The start date of Big Brother was confirmed by ITV on Monday as fans anticipate the return of the iconic show.

Viewers can tune into the new series, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, on Sunday, October 8 at 9 p.m.

Additionally, to celebrate the return of the ultimate social experiment, Big Brother: The Launch will air on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX in a disruptive multi-channel and streaming takeover.

The rest of the series is available every night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, excluding Saturdays.

In Big Brother: The Launch, a new cast of hand-picked housemates, from all walks of life, will become the first people to move into the brand new Big Brother house when they arrive at the famous destination in front of a live studio audience.

Yes! Viewers can tune in to the new series, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, on Sunday, October 8 at 9 p.m.

Given its own contemporary new look, ready for this reinterpretation of the show, the iconic Big Brother house will play host to all the action – clever tasks, nail-biting nominations and live evictions will be back.

The audience once again plays a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will go home with a life-changing cash prize.

Big Brother will be followed every night by Big Brother: Late & Live – a new commission presented live by AJ and Will from the house location in front of a studio audience – giving viewers an extra hour of exclusive Big Brother content.

Big Brother: Late & Live will be the only place where you can watch the first live interview of the evicted, alongside a range of exclusive features including access to the CCTV footage, commentary and debate from celebrity guests, plus weekly nominations results.

The iconic Big Brother: Live Stream also returns to screens, airing seven nights a week exclusively on ITVX, allowing fans to watch live footage after Big Brother: Late & Live until the early hours.

Bosses are said to have strict criteria for the type of housemates they want, and it is reported that producers have blocked Love Island-style ‘wannabes’ from taking part in the rebooted series.

A source said The sun that there is an immediate no to ‘Love Island-like participants or fame-hungry influencers’ for the new series.

Casting for the upcoming series is reportedly in its final stages, with the shortlisted candidates now meeting face-to-face with producers.

Upcoming: Big Brother will be followed nightly by Big Brother: Late & Live – a new committee hosted live by AJ and Will from the house site

Back with a bang: Legendary Big Brother narrator Marcus Bentley, 55, has reportedly re-applied for the job on the show’s upcoming reboot (Marcus is pictured outside the Big Brother house during the latest Channel 4 series in 2010)

An insider said: ‘Casting for the new series started in October last year and there was an overwhelming response.

Applications have been extended for the final time to accommodate any last-minute applicants, but the process is almost complete.”

The series will feature AJ and Will co-hosting.

Speaking about her new role, AJ said: ‘I’m so excited to finally be able to say, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier.’

She added: ‘It’s an absolute honor to follow in the footsteps of some of my favorite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake. ‘

Will explained: “I grew up watching Big Brother, so getting the chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some housemates not to swear.’

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, said: ‘AJ and Will really are our perfect combination as we prepare to reintroduce Big Brother to the next generation.

‘With real chemistry, they will both effortlessly bring humour, charm and loads of character to their roles and we are delighted to be working with them both again.’

This year’s participants have yet to be announced, but the registration deadline has now passed.

ITV is currently carrying out ‘rigorous’ background checks on all potential housemates to ensure there are no skeletons in their closet that could come out while they are in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, the contestants will reportedly go through a ‘watertight training program’ before landing in the BB House.

It’s claimed the ‘super-sized’ Big Brother welfare package ‘goes way beyond’ what Love Island contestants undergo before entering the villa.

The training for housemates would include attention to diversity and inclusivity, racism and gender diversity, as well as sexual consent and dealing with conflict.

A source said The sun: ‘Love Island’s offering is already considered the Fort Knox of training, but ITV knows how important the relaunch of such a much-loved program as Big Brother is.

It’s been quite a difficult time for the channel with the recent events on This Morning, so everyone is determined that the brand won’t be rocked by any more scandal.

‘But I have to say that while no one wants contestants to regret their actions on TV, there are growing concerns that the reboot will turn into a tightly regulated wake-fest. No chance of wine bottles or pregnancy tests these days!’

Legendary Big Brother narrator Marcus Bentley has reportedly reapplied for the job on the show’s upcoming reboot.

Gateshead-born voiceover artist Marcus, 55, became synonymous with the program after it launched on Channel 4 in 2000 and stayed with the reality series until its final run on Channel 5 in 2018.

Previously: The show was presented by Davina McCall (pictured above) when broadcast on Channel 4 between 2000 and 2010

Iconic: At launch, a new cast of hand-picked housemates, from all walks of life, will become the first people to move into the brand new Big Brother house (2008 show pictured)

Teaser: An ad for the upcoming show was released earlier this month, showing Will and AJ strolling around in their trailer

Marcus had a booming ‘day one in the Big Brother house’ at the start of each series, describing the action as it unfolded on screen for viewers, and he plans to do the same when the series makes a comeback later this year makes on ITV2.

A TV insider said this The sun: ‘It has long been rumored that he will return to the show, although many dismissed it as wishful thinking.

‘But now it’s a done deal between Marcus and the producers and fans will probably be happy about it.

“After all, his voice was an essential part of the entire Big Brother experience, and his return will add to the authenticity of the reboot.”

Big Brother: The Launch airs on Sunday October 8 at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX