Stop what you're doing, our first look at the new Big Brother house is here

You only have to look at the amount of dating shows available to binge-watch right now to know reality TV is alive and well. But OG fans of the genre will be overwhelmed to hear Big Brother is officially making a comeback, after ITV revealed it would be back on our screens for 2023.

Here's everything we know about the return of Big Brother, from its expected release date to who might head into the house.

What does the Big Brother house look like?

It's the moment we've all been waiting for, and now we have our first official look at the Big Brother house, and it looks so cool.

On today's (6th October) edition of Good Morning Britain, GMB presenter Richard Arnold gave viewers a first look at the garden area of the new house which features a jacuzzi and an outdoor fire place (it's giving Love Island vibes).

In previous seasons, the smoking area was a main fixture of the garden, with housemates often congregating there to discuss the day's events. However, this year there's a small smoking area in the garden which will not feature any cameras, but will be fitted with a microphone so we don't miss any of the house mate gossip.

While viewers weren't shown inside the house directly Richard Arnold did hint at what we could expect and it includes a big bedroom filled with plenty of double beds. He also revealed the living area has a mezzanine area and there's a very boujie sink in the kitchen.

And of course we have to mention the iconic diary room which Richard claimed had the biggest chair he's "ever seen". The countdown for launch is on!

What is Big Brother 2023's release date?

Get ready, as Big Brother is officially set to return in less than two weeks! ITV2 shared the series release date in a tweet earlier today (25th September) confirming the series will kick off on Sunday 8th October.

In a tweet they said: "👁️Big Brother is coming👁️ 8th October, 9pm on ITV2 and @ITVX #BBUK."

In order to celebrate the return of the iconic series ITV will be airing the launch show on ITV1, ITV2, and ITVX at 9pm. The rest of the series will air on ITV2 and ITVX on 9pm every night, apart from Saturdays.

What is the Big Brother spin-off series?

As well as confirming the series release date, ITV has also confirmed Big Brother will be getting its own nightly spin-off episode 'Big Brother: Late & Live' featuring hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best present more Big Brother content, including the first exclusive interviews with each evictee.

It'll also feature celebrity guests, plenty of debate and weekly nomination results.

Is there a Big Brother live stream?

As if the spin-off series and nightly episode weren't enough, ITV has also confirmed the return of the Big Brother: Live Stream. The live stream will be hosted on ITVX every night and allow viewers to watch live footage from the Big Brother house following Big Brother: Late & Live.

Bring it on!

Who will present Big Brother 2023?

It's official, the new Big Brother hosts are AJ Odudu and Will Best! ITV confirmed the news on 25th April and AJ said she was "so happy". She's no stranger to the Big Brother house, having previously hosted Big Brother's Bit on the Side, alongside Emma Willis and Rylan Clark, and Will presented ITV’s Dance, Dance, Dance and shows for E4 and BBC Three.

“Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake,” said AJ, and Will described the news as a “dream come true.”

Big Brother originally ran for 10 years until 2010 on Channel 4, and was hosted by Davina McCall. The show then moved to Channel 5 from 2011 until 2018, and was presented by series two champion Brian Dowling and later Emma Willis.

In June 2023, it was then revealed that none other than the original Big Brother voiceover person, Marcus Bentley, would also be returning for the ITV version of the show.

A source told The Sun, "It's long been rumoured that he was returning to the show, though many dismissed it as wishful thinking. But now it's a done deal between Marcus and the producers and fans are likely to be delighted.

"After all, his voice was an essential part of the whole Big Brother experience, and his return will add to the reboot's authenticity."

It wouldn't be Big Brother without him, right?

When was the return of Big Brother announced?

ITV officially announced the return of Big Brother in an advert break on ITV2 during the Love Island 2022 final. They simply included a screen with the iconic Big Brother eye, as well as the recognisable theme music. They later confirmed it will air on ITV2 and new streaming platform ITVX, with its famous house featuring a “contemporary new look”.

A report from The Sun back in January 2022 first hinted at BB's return, commenting, "They are really keen on getting the deal done on Big Brother, and hope to have something firm to announce soon. The talks are still at an early, and delicate, stage and the next few weeks will be key."

Who will star in Big Brother 2023?

While none of the line up has been confirmed so far, ITV revealed "A new cast of carefully selected housemates, from all walks of life, will take up residence in the world’s most famous reality TV home for up to six weeks, with cameras capturing their every move, and the nation following every twist and turn."

Paul Mortimer, director of reality commissioning and acquisitions and controller of ITV2, ITVBe and CITV, added: "This refreshed, contemporary new series of Big Brother will contain all the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time round, but with a brand new look and some additional twists that speak to today’s audience."

What will happen in Big Brother 2023?

As ITV's press release explained, "The action will all play out under the roof of the iconic Big Brother house, which will be given its own contemporary new look ready for this reimagining of the show.

"Clever tasks, nail-biting nominations and live evictions will be back, with the public once again playing a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will walk away with a life changing cash prize."

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