Celebrity Big Brother revived in Australia after 19 years

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 3h

The celebrity version of Big Brother is to return in Australia after a 19-year absence.

The celebrity version of Big Brother will return for a new series in Australia later this year, it has been announced.

The iconic reality show returned to Aussie screens last year after a six-year absence with a new super-sized, pre-recorded format and proved to be a ratings hit.

The local Seven network has already recorded another series, due to be broadcast from next month, and The Daily Telegraph says that it will be followed up by a celebrity version.

Known as Big Brother VIP - a title used in countries such as Italy and Portugal - the show will be recorded in Sydney in the coming months for broadcast later this year.

While the regular version of BB in Australia has now had 13 series, there has only ever been one celebrity series, which was broadcast over a month in Winter 2002.

"With anticipation for the new season building, the time is right to commission Big Brother VIP," said Angus Ross, head of programming at Seven.

"The celebrity format is a proven success around the world. It was a hit here in Australia almost two decades ago and we're looking forward to introducing a whole new generation of celebrities to Big Brother. Let the game begin."

The broadcaster has also given the go-ahead to another series of SAS Australia with Ant Middleton.