I really don't buy their excuse that it was originally supposed to be for 7+ too - to my knowledge they've not commissioned anything that significant exclusively for 7+. At least they acknowledge the forced dating aspect was a mistake, but we told them that the second it was announced (and it was announced for 7, not 7+).
It is also worth noting he doesn't actually rule it out completely for 2024 either, but just says it would have to be pre-recorded if they did it in 2024. Not quite sure I get the logic in that argument - if they've not got the house now but get it in time for a series to air this year surely if anything it'll more likely need to be live rather than have a house ready at least 2-3 months earlier to pre-record it.
Frankly though it all feels like lip service and I suspect when the 2025 "upfronts" come around they'll be a little footnote that Big Brother has been axed.
It is also worth noting he doesn't actually rule it out completely for 2024 either, but just says it would have to be pre-recorded if they did it in 2024. Not quite sure I get the logic in that argument - if they've not got the house now but get it in time for a series to air this year surely if anything it'll more likely need to be live rather than have a house ready at least 2-3 months earlier to pre-record it.
Frankly though it all feels like lip service and I suspect when the 2025 "upfronts" come around they'll be a little footnote that Big Brother has been axed.