LATEST: Virgin Media axes iconic show from schedule ahead of premiere, sparking outrage
Irish broadcaster Virgin Media has announced that it will not air the upcoming season of Big Brother UK disappointing fans however some remain hopeful as another channel is rumoured to be in talks to air fan favourite show
Virgin Media has announced that it will not being airing the upcoming season of Big Brother UK.
The Irish broadcaster has confirmed the news on X following confusion amoung fans as to whether they will be able to watch the live premiere this Sunday, September 28, on Virgin Media Two.
When asked by an Irish fan whether the upcoming series will be made available in Ireland, the Virgin Media IE account responded saying: "In case you’ve heard otherwise:—Virgin Media will not be airing Big Brother this season. We know there’s been some confusion, and we appreciate your understanding. We’re focusing on fresh new content we think you’ll love. Stay tuned!"
Big Brother follows contestants, known as ‘housemates’ who live and compete together in the Big Brother house, which is cut off from the outside world.
Constantly monitored by cameras and microphones, the group nominates fellow housemates for eviction, with the public vote deciding who goes.
While the Republic of Ireland has never been allowed to participate in the vote, the series has aired concurrently with the British broadcast since its premiere season 25 years ago.
In a statement made to The Journal, Virgin Media said: “As our programming continues to evolve in line with audience interests and viewing habits, we’re focusing on bringing fresh, exciting new content to our schedule this year.”
Virgin Media Two will instead be airing the new season of Love Island Games in place of Big Brother UK.
This change in the tv schedule has outraged Irish fans, with a petition being launched urging Virgin Media to reverse their decision and air the show.
Fans of the show are not happy with the replacement programme being aired in its place with one social media user declaring: "I’m sorry?????? Nobody wants fresh new content in the form of love island GAMES. THEY WANT BIG BROTHER!? sort this out!!
Irish fans have branded the show not being aired as a “third cancellation” as the show was previous cancelled in 2018 before being renewed again in 2022 for their twentieth season in October 2023, which saw fan favourite Jordan Sangha crowned the winner.
Some fans are hopeful that Big Brother UK will find a new Irish home, as their have been rumours circulating online that TG4 may pick up the series for Irish viewers.
One social media user commented: "wait so we actually can’t watch Big Brother in Ireland this year ??!? was there any truth to TG4 picking it up"
To which the TG4TV X account replied: "súil eile ???" (which translates from Irish to another eye ???) with a photo of the iconic Big Brother eye logo.
The latest season of Big Brother UK is due to begin airing live on Sunday September 28, but not on Irish screens leaving fans outraged and disappointed due to Virgin Media's announcement.