C4 reaffirms commitment to Big Brother

Channel 4 has confirmed plans for future series of Big Brother beyond this summer's sixth run.

The broadcaster's contract with production company Endemol ends after BB6 - but C4 is keen to renew the deal for years to come.

"I'm sure we'll want to do it again and again until it stops working and clearly it isn't not working," Kevin Lygo, C4's director of programmes, told C21.

He went on to admit that BB5's controversial "evil" theme would not be repeated in the next series. "We're dreaming up what to do with the housemates, but essentially it'll be like it's always been. It's going to be a dozen people locked up in a house for two months."

Lygo's comments may put to rest speculation that the show would be extended to fifteen weeks this year, although C4 is typically secretive with the precise details of each series until the last possible moment.

He went on to rule out a German-style never-ending Big Brother, however. "Several years ago Endemol pitched us a never-ending series. You'd have to open a channel about it but you know what, I'd probably just go to an early grave, so no plans for that at the moment."