Bidding war for Big Brother II?

Channel Four appears likely to face a fierce bidding war for the rights to screen a sequel to Big Brother. The network, apparently keen on commissioning a second series of the hit show, has an option to screen a second series; but as yet no deal has been secured with Endemol Entertainment, parent company of Bazal - producers of the UK show.

Britain's fourth terrestrial television channel outbid Channel 5 for the rights to show the first series of Big Brother; but "sources close to the show" predicted significant interest from other networks with more cash in hand than Channel 5 - possibly hinting at a major satellite and cable channel. On the other hand, sources at Bazal said that the production company would be keen for the programme to be kept on national terrestrial television to maintain wider public interest in the show.

Channel 4 would be keen on keeping the show on its network, for both its strong assoication with the programme and because advertising revenues have soared as a result of Big Brother's popularity. Audience shares, which have risen to nearly 38%, are among the highest figures the network has ever had.