Channel 5 has announced that the upcoming series of Big Brother will be the last one.

The new civilian series of Big Brother is due to kick off tonight, Friday, September 14, following the end of Celebrity Big Brother on Monday. The network confirmed this afternoon that the series will be the last - of the celebrity or civilian versions - on the station. https://twitter.com/channel5_tv/status/1040544477088108545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw They said in a statement to Metro: 

"The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last - of either celebrity or civilian versions - on Channel 5. "We’d like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success. "We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters - Emma on Big Brother and Rylan from Bit on the Side - for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments. "Most importantly, we’d like to thank fans of the show for their support over the last seven years. "We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send-off.”

Rylan Clark-Neal, host of Big Brother Bit on the Side, released a statement after the news was announced. https://twitter.com/Rylan/status/1040547110247194624 He wrote:

"After 6 years working on one of the most iconic shows on television I'm saddened to hear the news Big Brother won't be returning. "It has been the biggest privilege being a housemate, a winner and a host on my favourite show on the television. "To work with Emma, Marcus and the amazing team on BOTS every day and have made friends for life I'm truly the luckiest guy in the industry. "I hope one day Big Brother will return but my focus now, as with the rest of the team is to make our last series the best yet. "I'd like to thank all of our guests, Endemol and Channel 5 for having me and most of all the viewers for sharing this amazing journey. "I learned how to host a show on the job here and I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity. R x"