Chris Hughes is reportedly set to host a new Big Brother vodcast following the cancellation of the Late and Live program. The news arrives alongside new social media updates from Hughes and his partner, American performer JoJo Siwa.
The axing of Late and Live and the shift to digital
After a three-year run, the Big Brother spin-off Late and Live, which was previously hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, has been officially cancelled. As reported by The Sun, the program struggled to maintain sufficient viewership, facing stiff competition from shows like Celebrity Traitors. Furthermore, the show's live format faced challenges as audiences increasingly migrated toward ITVX for content consumption.
The demise of the program has had a direct impact on the production staff. According to insiders, many freelancers working on the show were quietly informed that they should not expect the program to return. This move signals a broader trend in television where traditional live spin-offs are being replaced by more flexible, digital-first formats that better suit modern viewing habits.
ITV’s strategy to mirror the Love Island podcast success
ITV is reportedly looking to capitalize on the popularity of digital audio and video content by attempting to replicate the success of the Love Island podcast. By shifting toward a vodcast model, the network aims to engage fans in a more intimate, on-demand way. The decision to tap 33-year-old presenter Chris Hughes for this role is seen as a strategic move to leverage his recent popularity .
Hughes, who gained significant recognition during his time on Celebrity Big Brother, is viewed as a bridge between the main series and the digital audience. The report suggests that his ability to connect with viewers makes him an ideal candidate to lead this new chapter of Big Brother digital content.
A September 13 launch featuring celebrity 'lodgers'
The upcoming series of Big Brother is scheduled to begin on September 13, marking ITV's longest run of the show to date at eight weeks. To maintain momentum, producers are reportedly planning a major twist involving a string of celebrity housemates. This strategy draws inspiration from Sharon Osbourne’s previous stint as a "house lodger" on Celebrity Big Brother.
The production team is reportedly looking to bring back stars from the Channel 4 and Channel 5 eras of the franchise to shake up the house dynamics. Among the names being discussed, Gemma Collins is reportedly at the top of the network's wishlist to patricipate in this celebrity-driven experiment.
Will JoJo Siwa's work commitments block a cameo?
While the relationship between Chris Hughes and 23-year-old JoJo Siwa has become a major talking point for fans, her direct involvement in the new Big Brother season remains an open question. Although insiders claim that Siwa would be a welcome guest on the show,she is currently managing a demanding schedule of other professional commitments.
There are several unanswered elements regarding the show's future direction. It remains unverified whether the network can successfully secure high-profile guests like Siwa, or if the new vodcast format will be able to recapture the viewership lost by the cancellation of Late and Live. Additionally, the success of the "celebrity lodger" concept remains to be seen as the production attempts to revitalize the brand.
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