Channel 5 signs Big Brother deal

'Big Brother' will return for another two years after being bought by Channel 5.

The reality TV show - which first aired on Channel 4 in 2000 and was axed last year after ten years - will be back this summer with a celebrity version, immediately followed by a house full of members of the public.

The network said it was "hugely excited" to secure the programme, which will still be filmed at its original location of Elstree Film Studios in Hertfordshire.

Jeff Ford, Channel 5's director of programmes said: "The series has previously captivated a decade of television viewers and we aim to bring Channel 5's energy, optimism and vibrancy to the series."

It is not yet known who will present the show but original host Davina McCall admitted on her website earlier this year that she doesn't plan to return.

She wrote: "It would feel like a step back to go back...someone new should present it on a new channel. A fresh start for the show...with me still as its biggest fan looking forward - exciting!

"I made a decision after the end of the last series that I would not present it again. There are many reasons for this; I spent a year saying goodbye, which was very painful and scary! (sic)"

The show was last aired in August, with the main series culminating in a special 'Ultimate Big Brother' contest, featuring the most memorable housemates from previous seasons.

Channel 4 axed the show when ratings almost halved in comparison with the first series.