Reality TV hit Celebrity Big Brother Australia to return in 2021

Nearly two decades after it was won by radio and TV host Dylan Lewis, Channel Seven is rebooting Celebrity Big Brother to air later this year.

Nineteen years since its first and only hit out, Celebrity Big Brother is back.

Confidential can reveal Channel Seven will soon begin casting for the reality series that is scheduled to air later this year.

Big Brother VIP will be filmed in Sydney following the upcoming season of the normal format, that will premiere in April.

The last and only Celebrity Big Brother was broadcast in 2002, when radio and TV host Dylan Lewis was crowned winner.

Big Brother Australia 2002: Kimberley Cooper (C), Sara Marie Fedele (2nd L), Vanessa Wagner (L), radio personality Kyle Sandilands & Dylan Lewis (R) in diary room in the Big Brother house at /Dreamworld. Imogen Bailey (next to Lewis) & boxer Anthony Mundine (at door), Ariana Xenides (b/g).

Actor Jay Laga’aia placed runner-up with that series also including the likes of Kyle Sandilands, Warwick Capper, Anthony Mundine, Red Symons, Gabby Millgate, Kimberley Cooper, Imogen Bailey, Vanessa Wagner, Adriana Xenides and Sara-Marie Fedele.

Some 22 seasons of Celebrity Big Brother ran in the UK.

“With anticipation for the new season building, the time is right to commission Big Brother VIP,” Seven programming boss Angus Ross said.

TV personality Dylan Lewis on stage at DreamWorld on the Gold Coast 12/08/02 after being named winner of Celebrity Big Brother.

Radio personality Kyle Sandilands on buggy following his eviction from Celebrity Big Brother.

“The celebrity format is a proven success around the world. It was a hit here in Australia almost two decades ago and we’re looking forward to introducing a whole new generation of celebrities to Big Brother. Let the game begin.”

Production company Endemol Shine will helm the project with Seven last year reinvigorating the format.

Feminist author Dr Germaine Greer on Celebrity Big Brother UK.

Australian Courtney Act on Celebrity Big Brother UK. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

“Across last year’s season and the upcoming 2021 season, over 40 everyday housemates have had a chance to play Big Brother’s game,” Endemol Shine Australia chief executive Peter Neman said. “We now welcome a host of celebrities to a brand-new house, seal them off from society and see who can survive the twists, turns and surprises that Big Brother has waiting inside. Who will win? Australia will decide.”

Originally published as Reality TV hit Celebrity Big Brother Australia to return in 2021