Big Brother's start date has been revealed – but it won't return to our screens until Autumn next year.
The popular reality show was axed by Channel 5 in 2018 due to a ratings slump, but ITV is set to bring a rebooted version of the series.
Fans had anticipated the series to return to our screens in Spring 2023 after murmurings, but an influx of "big reality TV programming" around the same time of year, bosses have decided to push it back.
A source explained to the Mirror that ITV's schedule is looking packed during the first half of the year – with two series of Love Island and I'm A Celebrity... All Stars – so bosses have shared the decision to "move transmutation" to a "more prominent slot" in Autumn.
Big Brother's new air date will mean viewers will have a "whole calendar" of programming to enjoy, the insider said.
Casting for the debut re-launch will continue on until the summer, meaning bosses will also have plenty of time to find big characters to fill the Big Brother House.
Like Love Island, the series will take place on ITV2 and ITVX when it does finally return to our screens.
A number of big names have been put forward by fans to host the new series, with Alison Hammond, Davina McCall and Rylan Clark all being tipped to front the reboot.
Alison, 47, recently revealed she would "probably say yes" if she was offered the gig.
As she appeared on Loose Women to discuss the series, Brenda Edwards asked the TV star: "Speaking of the medium of television and you bringing joy, You are going to be bringing your joy to Big Brother?
"I would love to have you on there."
Before viewers get too excited about the prospect, Alison responded: "I haven't been asked to do it."
Brenda swiftly joked: "I've asked you, is that not a question?"
Thinking of the idea of hosting, Alison slyly added: "You know what? If it came my way..."
Alison competed on the third series of Big Brother in 2002. Her appearance sky-rocketed her into TV stardom and has become a familiar face on daytime TV since.
Following her time in the Big Brother house, she was offered her job on This Morning.
Speaking of the opportunity, Alison revealed: "It was never on my radar to want to present This Morning but it came my way. They asked me to do the job and I was like, 'I've never really wanted that job. But you know what? Let me go and try it.'
"It was a bit hard at the beginning but now I absolutely love it. I'm enjoying it."
She added of the Big Brother gig: "Who knows if that came my way of course I'll probably say yeah."
