'Big Brother' rights set for sharp rise

Endemol are reportedly increasing the asking price for the ninth series of Big Brother by £30 million.

The Sun claims that ITV are keen to bid for rights to screen the popular reality show after Channel 4's current deal ends next summer along with the eight series. The price is set to be raised to £70 million from its current £40 million, which includes the rights to spin-off shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother's Little Brother.

Channel 4 recently suffered the loss of popular series Lost to Sky One but has secured a deal for the next series of Desperate Housewives.