A quiet shockwave rippled through reality TV fandom:Celebrity Big Brotherwon’t grace ITV screens this year. For devoted viewers, it means an unusually long wait – nearly two years between series – raising questions about the show’s future trajectory.
The most recent installment, crowned byCoronation Street’s Jack P. Shepherd, aired just last April. While ITV insists commitment to bothCelebrity Big Brotherand the regularBig Brotherremains strong beyond 2025, the extended hiatus has sparked concern and speculation among its audience.
The show’s impressive 150 million streams on ITVX haven’t entirely quelled anxieties. Despite the digital success, recent viewing figures hovered between one and two million per episode, a number that seemingly prompted a strategic shift.
Fan reaction was swift and varied. Online forums buzzed with disappointment, some lamenting the loss of the celebrity edition, while others felt ITV had fundamentally altered the show’s spirit. One user noted the recent attention garnered by contestant relationships, suggesting a potential reason for its initial success.
A recurring criticism surfaced: the show had lost its edge. Many argued that ITV’s attempt to make it “family-friendly” stripped away the grit and authenticity that defined its earlier iterations on Channel 4 and 5. This perceived softening, some believe, contributed to the decision to pause the series.
Behind the scenes, ITV boss Kevin Lygo previously acknowledged a “battle about the price” with production company Endemol. The move to ITV2 was framed as a way to attract “more interesting and niche” celebrity signings, hinting at budgetary constraints and a desire for a different kind of star power.
The show’s history is punctuated by controversy. Last year, actor Mickey Rourke’s brief but tumultuous appearance ended with his removal after a series of incidents, including offensive language and concerning interactions with fellow housemates and the show’s host.
Rourke’s behavior included grabbing and twirling the host during an interview, making inappropriate comments to a contestant about her sexuality, and engaging in heated arguments with others. These events underscored the challenges of managing volatile personalities within the confines of the Big Brother house.
However, Rourke’s actions were far from isolated. Over 24 years,Celebrity Big Brotherhas weathered numerous storms of public outcry. The 2007 season remains infamous for racial bullying allegations, sparking protests and widespread condemnation.
More recently, in 2015, a contestant was removed for using racial slurs, and another faced a police caution after allegations of inappropriate behavior. In 2016, offensive statements regarding bisexuality, race, and religion led to another expulsion. These incidents highlight the show’s consistent struggle to navigate sensitive issues and maintain responsible content.
The fallout from Roxanne Pallett’s false accusation of assault in 2018 generated over 25,000 complaints to Ofcom, demonstrating the potential for dramatic events to ignite public outrage. Even in 2025, Rourke’s removal served as a stark reminder of the show’s capacity for controversy.
This pause forCelebrity Big Brotherechoes a similar decision made with another ITV staple,Dancing on Ice, which was also put on hold after its 2025 season. The broadcaster cited a need for rest and a lack of immediate plans for future series, suggesting a broader reassessment of its reality TV portfolio.
WhileCelebrity Big Brothertakes a break, the standardBig Brotheris still slated to return to ITV2 in October. But the future of its celebrity counterpart remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder if the show will ever regain its former prominence.
