ITV breaks silence as Celebrity Big Brother is ‘axed from ITV schedule’

Celebrity Big Brother removed from ITV’s spring 2026 lineup

Celebrity Big Brother, one of ITV’s most talked-about reality shows, has been officially removed from the channel’s spring 2026 schedule. This announcement comes shortly after reports surfaced that the show’s spin-off, Late and Live, had also been cancelled. Since its revival in 2024, Celebrity Big Brother has consistently aired during the March-April period on ITV1, following the conclusion of Love Island: All Stars. However, the upcoming year will see a major change in how and when the show is broadcast.

Fans eagerly anticipating the return of Celebrity Big Brother on ITV this spring will be disappointed to learn that the show will no longer occupy its traditional slot. Instead, ITV has decided to push the series to a later date and shift its broadcast to ITV2. This move is reportedly due to the network’s commitment to other already-commissioned programs set to air in the first half of 2026.

What led to the scheduling shake-up?

According to insiders speaking to The Sun, ITV has confirmed that both Celebrity Big Brother and its original counterpart, Big Brother, will continue to air in 2026. However, the decision to remove Celebrity Big Brother from the spring schedule has raised concerns among fans and industry watchers alike. One source commented, “It’s fair to say that news of it being shifted in the schedule for other programmes doesn’t exactly instil confidence.”

The source further explained that this scheduling change might suggest a reduced commitment from ITV towards Celebrity Big Brother. Despite this, ITV remains confident in the show’s value. The network highlighted the strong ratings and impressive online streaming figures as reasons why Celebrity Big Brother remains a priority reality format.

ITV’s official statement on Celebrity Big Brother’s future

In response to the speculation, an ITV spokesperson issued a statement to ED! clarifying the network’s stance. They said, “We are committed to both Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother beyond 2025, and scheduling for any new series will be confirmed in due course. The show remains a priority reality format for us, having recently hit 150 million streams on ITVX.”

The spokesperson also explained the rationale behind moving the show to ITV2, noting, “The next series of Celebrity Big Brother will be on ITV2, as this is where the core audience for the show lives. Because we already have a number of big commissions, both existing shows and new formats, scheduled throughout the beginning half of 2026, we will be pushing the transmission to a later date.”

The fate of Celebrity Big Brother’s spin-off Late and Live

Adding to the upheaval, the show’s spin-off Late and Live has reportedly been axed. Since the return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother in 2023, Late and Live has served as a companion program featuring exit interviews, episode analyses, and appearances from celebrity guests and former housemates. It has been a staple for fans who enjoy deeper insights and nightly discussions about the main show.

However, sources indicate that Late and Live will not return alongside the new series of Big Brother or Celebrity Big Brother in 2026. This decision further signals ITV’s shifting priorities and the evolving landscape of its reality TV offerings.

What does this mean for fans of Celebrity Big Brother?

The removal of Celebrity Big Brother from ITV’s spring schedule and the cancellation of Late and Live have left many fans concerned about the future of the franchise. While ITV has reassured viewers that the show will continue beyond 2025, the changes in scheduling and channel placement may affect how audiences engage with the series.

Moving the show to ITV2 could be a strategic attempt to target a younger, more digital-savvy audience, as ITV2 is known for catering to that demographic. Additionally, the later broadcast date might allow the show to avoid competition with other major programs, potentially boosting viewership.

Conclusion

ITV’s confirmation that Celebrity Big Brother will be ‘axed’ from its traditional spring schedule marks a significant shift for the beloved reality series. Although the show will continue to air in 2026, its move to ITV2 and a later broadcast window reflect ITV’s evolving programming strategy. Fans can still look forward to new episodes, but they should prepare for changes in how and when the show is delivered.

If you’re a Celebrity Big Brother fan, stay tuned for further updates on the new schedule and channel details. Don’t miss out on the latest news—follow our coverage and be the first to know when the next series airs!