ITV mysteriously scraps huge part of Celebrity Big Brother launch night as new series begins
BIG Brother is nearly upon us — but there will be one big thing missing from the iconic series.
The 2023 show launch night was simulcast on ITV1 and ITV2, as it was for Celebrity Big Brother.
This year, it’s just on the latter and returns to the small screen on Sunday, October 6 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Unlike last year, fans will be delighted to learn the launch night show will not be pre-recorded. Viewers were disappointed by the missing live element which always adds excitement to proceedings.
The much-loved show has already provided viewers with drama and presenter Will Best has revealed he and AJ Odudu are facing pre-launch show chaos.
The hosting duo are hoping to kick off Sunday’s live show with a bang, but they are both facing obstacles ahead of filming.
Will explained the nightmare on Capital Breakfast: “I’ve got a stiff neck. It’s a bit better today, yesterday was bad, I’ve got an emergency physio in a couple of hours after this.
“It’s always good to just before the biggest show of the year, when you’re going to be live for six weeks, with all kinds of mad stuff, to not be able to move.”
Speaking on behalf of his TV sidekick, he said: “AJ’s lost her voice as well. I saw her yesterday, we did a podcast record.
“That’s why she’s not doing radio today!”
He continued speaking about pre-show butterflies: “I get nervous, because, I love this show so much. So I’m nervous that we’re going to do it justice, the format justice, I’m nervous how the housemates will do.
“But, once we get to Sunday, just before we go live, the nerves sort of disappear. I can’t wait to meet these people.”
But the dynamic duo won’t be evicting themselves from their presenting duties anytime soon. Will said previously: “Neither of us are leaving. Unless we’re dragged out of that building.”
AJ added: “It is beautiful to do a job I’ve always dreamed of doing – and alongside a best mate is even better.”
Dress the Nation star AJ and T4’s Will are fronting the social experiment for a third time and have teased how producers have “raised the bar” on challenges in the new series.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Will previously said: “I’m excited about the tasks, I think the tasks this year, maybe some learning – not learning as that makes it sound like there were things that could have been better – as the tasks were phenomenal last series.
“But I’ve been speaking to a few members of the team and I think they’ve raised the bar even further this series.
“I think the tasks have been taken up a notch.”
As well as a makeover, the new house has had some exciting new renovations including a huge extension to expand the garden area and the addition of a luxury hot tub.
Big Brother bosses have also confirmed the reality show’s spin-off series Late and Live is making a comeback.
The presenters will have their hands full with a live studio audience joined by a celebrity discussion panel on all the latest drama.
Live streaming is also on its way back for hardcore fans who will be able to view house footage into the early hours on ITVX, seven nights a week.