Presenter Chris Hughes is reportedly set to host a new Big Brother video podcast following the cancellation of the Late and Live spin-off. This transition comes as ITV prepares for an eight-week series launch on September 13.
Replicating the Love Island podcast success
ITV is reportedly shifting its digital strategy for Big Brother by moving away from traditional live formats toward a more modern vodcast approach. According to reports from The Sun, the broadcaster aims to mirror the successful model used by the Love Island podcast to capture younger audiences.
The cancellation of Late and Live, which was previously hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, comes amid stiff competition from programs like Celebrity Traitors. The report suggests that the live format struggled to maintain viewership as fans increasingly migrated to ITVX. By moving to a video podcast,the network hopes to create a more flexible content stream that survives beyond the immediate broadcast window.
Chris Hughes and the JoJo Siwa connection
The appointment of 33-year-old Chris Hughes as the new host leverages his existing popularity within the Big Brother ecosystem. hughes, who previously appeared on the celebrity version of the show, has built a significant following, partly due to his high-profile relationship with American performer JoJo Siwa. Sources cited in the report claim that Hughes has become "super popular" with viewres, making him a natural fit for a digital-first hosting role.
While Hughes is set to lead the vodcast, the involvement of his girlfriend, 23-year-old JoJo Siwa, reemains a point of speculation. Although insiders suggest that Siwa would be a welcome guest on the show, she is currently reportedly tied up with other work commitments. This connection between the hosts and their massive social media fanbases is a key component of ITV's attempt to revitalize the brand.
An eight-week run beginning September 13
The upcoming season of Big Brother is scheduled to be one of ITV's most extensive yet, spanning eight weeks starting on September 13. To maintain momentum, producers are reportedly planning a series of surprises for the housemates.. One such strategy involves introducing a string of celebrity guests into the house shortly after the season begins.
This "celebrity lodger" concept is reportedly inspired by Sharon Osbourne’s appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. By bringing in established names, ITV hopes to inject fresh energy into the house and drive social media conversation. This tactic aims to combat the fierce competition that has recently hampered the show's overall ratings.
Will Gemma Collins join the celebrity lineup?
Despite the excitement surrounding the new host and the upcoming season, several questions remain regarding the specific talent involved. While rumors of celebrity housemates are circulating, the exact roster has not been confirmed by ITV. One name frequently mentioned as a top priority for producers is Gemma Collins, a former Celebrity Big Brother star.
Furthermore, it remains unclear how the new vodcast will integrate with the main show's broadcast schedule. While the move toward a podcast format is intended to solve the viewership issues that plagued Late and Live, the network has yet to provide specific details on how the vodcast will be distributed or how it will interact with the ITVX streaming platform.
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