C4 signs £20m deal for two more series of Big Brother

LONDON - Channel 4 has signed a deal with 'Big Brother' maker Endemol to take up another two series of the hit reality show, in a deal believed to be worth £20m.

The new deal runs to the end of 2007 and includes all UK rights to broadcast TV, new media and commercial activities such as books, DVDs and CDs.

Channel 4's current four-year deal for the UK rights to the show runs out this year and although the broadcaster was willing to take on another two series, it was not prepared to sign a longer-term contract for the show for fear of the show's popularity fading.

This year, the show seems to be shaping up well with viewing figures averaging 4.1m since its launch.

Last year, the series performed well, attracting audiences of well over 4.3m or 25% each night, with 7.3m viewers tuning into the opening episode, but the previous year's show, the fourth season of 'Big Brother', made little impact in the ratings and was slammed by viewers and critics for being boring.

The first 'Big Brother' contract in 1999 was for two years because producers were not sure how successful the format would be. After the first two series, Channel 4 signed for a further four years.

Lucas Church, joint managing director of Endemol UK, said: "Channel 4 remains the natural home for this project and we are delighted to be extending our partnership for another two years."

Marketing student and self-proclaimed sex addict Sam was booted off the show on Friday with 59% of the vote.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .

Topics

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content