Off-season update

More rumours, BBUSA premieres Feb, Dermot quits BBUK

More indications that Adults Only will return, with Ten programming chief telling the Herald Sun that it was “unfortunate” that the show was axed, saying it’s likely a version of the show will return to accompany BB08.

The article also suggests that the series, previously rumoured to have been cut short to as little as 10 weeks, could be extended due to the on-going US writers strike meaning a limited number of episodes of US series. It’s also likely the strike could influence how Big Brother is scheduled across the week if Ten find themselves with more hours to fill in the schedule.

The writer’s strike has already benefited Big Brother in America, which will screen it’s ninth series in the ratings season for the first time. CBS have now confirmed BB9USA will premiere on Tuesday 12th February, and then air on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays. CBS plan to air a tenth US series in it’s traditional summer slot later in 2008.

Meanwhile in the UK, Dermot O’Leary has announced he is quitting as host of companion show Big Brother’s Little Brother after seven years. Dermot, who this year took over as host of The X Factor, will say his goodbye to Big Brother when he fronts Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack, which launches on Thursday 3rd January.

Celebrity Hijack

Celebrity Hijack

Dermot will front the live evictions as celebrities “hijack” the role of Big Brother and take control of a group of “gifted” 18-21 year-olds competing for a prize of £50,000. Davina McCall will return to front Big Brother 9 in mid-2008.

For more BB08 gossip, check this post.

Keep up to date with all the Big Brother gossip in our forums, covering all the pre-season rumours, housemate activities and international news.

And to find out what happened when our very own Vid and Vibes chatted with Dermot on BBLB, check out our podcast page and watch the video.

Vid and Vibes on BBLB