BIG BROTHER LAUNCH SHOW ON ITV TO BE PRE-RECORDED

The Big Brother house has a new home, as the global television phenomenon makes its much anticipated return to UK television and moves to ITV2 and ITVX from this October.

Earlier this month it was revealed that the launch episode will be simulcast across ITV1 main channel as well as ITV2 and ITVX. TV Zone understands that the launch episode, due to broadcast on Sunday 8th October, will not be shown live.

Instead, the launch show will be pre-recorded the night before in front of an audience. It's then expected to be broadcast 'as live' with minimal editing the day after. This way the launch episode will include highlights from the housemates' first night in the house, as well as their introductory VTs.

The Big Brother companion show will follow - live - on ITV2.

Already revealed is that the series will run for six weeks - 36 episodes - meaning the live final will take place on Friday 17th November, with the launch of I'm A Celebrity expected just two days later.

The show will be hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best who will anchor the main show for live evictions as well as the nightly companion show which will air after every episode at 10pm. Live feed will be available on ITVX from 11pm each night.

As well the main series, ITV have commissioned a special programme which will revisit some of the show's most iconic moments, tasks and housemates. This will also be presented by AJ & Will and is expected to air in the day(s) leading up to the launch of the main series.

Produced by Initial (part of Banijay UK) BigBrother first launched on UK screens in 2000. The action will all play out under the roof of the iconic Big Brother house, located at The Garden studios in London, which will be given its own contemporary new look ready for this reimagining of the show.

Clever tasks, nail-biting nominations and live evictions will be back, with the public once again playing a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will walk away with a life changing cash prize.

Big Brother launches Sunday 8th October on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX.