EXCLUSIVE:
Big Brother is never far from controversy…. this time it is behind the scenes.
Plans to return Big Brother in 2025 caught Seven by surprise this week, especially given it still has a “hold back” on the format until mid 2025.
A “hold back” effectively prevents negotiations commencing with another broadcaster, “until the day after the hold back finishes. You can’t start production in the middle. You can’t be casting, you can’t be announcing hosts. You can’t be announcing deals,” an industry source said.
TV Tonight understands a legal letter has now been sent by Seven Network to production company Endemol Shine Australia after the surprise inclusion at this week’s Network 10 Upfront.
On Monday 10 announced the show would return home to the network where it all began in Q4 2025 with new host Mel Tracina. It was such a well-kept secret because the agreement had only been finalised in the days leading up to the event. It grabbed everybody’s attention, especially media and the loyal fan-base.
Seven Network last screened the series in December 2023 but while it no longer has an option on the show it does have a “hold back” on the format until mid 2025.
There is no suggestion of wrong-intent on anybody’s part, nor any suggestion Seven is trying to prevent 10’s broadcast of Big Brother. At this stage there is also no change to 10’s plans to proceed with the format.
But questions are being asked around rights for a show that costs upwards of $20m and the hold back that is supposed to come with it.
Endemol Shine Australia, Seven and Network 10 have all been contacted for comment.
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