Channel 5 to bring back Big Brother

Hit reality show Big Brother is returning to television this year.

Hit reality show Big Brother is returning to television this year.

The show, which was on Channel 4, is moving to a new home on Channel 5 and will kick off with a celebrity version in the summer.

That will be followed by a series featuring members of the public.

Channel 5 director of programmes Jeff Ford said: "We're hugely excited to have secured the return of Big Brother for Channel 5, which will form a key part of this year's schedule. The series has previously captivated a decade of television viewers and we aim to bring Channel 5's energy, optimism and vibrancy to the series."

The show, which was dropped by Channel 4 last year, launched in the UK in 2000 after it had been a big hit in the Netherlands.

It made stars of contestants including Ryanair flight attendant Brian Dowling, who went on to present SMTV Live, becoming one of the first openly gay children's TV presenters, and Jade Goody.

The dental nurse from Bermondsey in south east London became an unlikely celebrity and remained in the public eye until her death from cervical cancer in 2009.

The show's creator, Endemol UK, has signed a two-year deal with Channel 5.