Big Brother needs to be controversial and extreme, says Brian Dowling

Brian Dowling has claimed that Big Brother needs to have "extreme" housemates and push boundaries.

The new host said that he approves of the show's development over the past decade, arguing that the reality series would have died out earlier if Endemol and Channel 4 had kept the format the same.

Dowling told Digital Spy: "The show had to move and become more controversial.

"The tasks I had in series two would be so boring now. People regard the show like panto and they like the baddies.

"I think it's fun to watch television and moan about people and say, 'I hate her'."

Dowling added: "People like Makosi - the most bizarre person I've ever met in my life. Amazing to watch on television... I wouldn't want to live with her again... but amazing viewing. The show needs people like that. Funny people, bad people and extreme people. Diversity."

Celebrity Big Brother returns on August 18 at 9pm on Channel 5

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