ITV bosses eye surprising change for Big Brother launch show ahead of return

Ahead of its much-anticipated return, ITV bosses have reportedly announced a change to Big Brother.

The iconic reality show is set to hit screens once again on ITV2 after Channel 5 ended its contract on the show in 2018.

But to ensure new and old fans are brought in to watch the new series, ITV producers are looking at options to keep people watching.

READ MORE: Big Brother legend begs bosses for major change to show weeks before ITV reboot

For the new series, the broadcaster is looking to show the launch night on ITV1 in a bid to pull in as many viewers as possible before continuing on ITV2.

If the move to ITV1 is true, this would be the show's largest viewing slot in its history.

Previously, Big Brother was broadcast on Channel 4 who held onto the show until 2010.

Channel 5 then stepped in to save the show from being axed, running the show for seven years from 2011.

But ITV1's primetime evening slot would open to the show to the widest audience possible.

Speaking to The Sun, an insider said that bosses wanted the reality show's comeback was noticed.

"They're hoping that a sensational start will hook the maximum number of viewers on the main channel, then bring them across to ITV2 for the rest of the series," the source said.

"This is something which has never been done before. Even when Love Island was at the height of its pulling power, it never had a launch show on ITV1."

It comes as more information on housemates was revealed, including a "watertight training programme" to deal with conflict, diversity and inclusion.

But some have hit out at the decision from ITV, saying that it would turn the show into a "tightly-regulated woke-fest".

ITV is aiming to keep its reputation intact with the show, following a string of scandals on fellow show This Morning, which have engulfed the station in criticism.

However, bosses are confident that the broadcaster will not be hit with more scandal as the new series is gearing up to return this autumn.

AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced to be the new hosts of the show, after being revealed back in April.

AJ already has experience of hosting Big Brother, having co-hosted side show Bit on the Side with Rylan Clark back in 2013.

Will also showed his excitement to join the team, saying: "I grew up with Big Brother, so getting a chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true.

"I can't wait to tell some housemates not to swear," he joked.

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