OLIVIA Attwood has been in talks with ITV bosses to present the reboot of Big Brother that launches on ITV2 next Autumn, Politicalite can exclusively reveal.
The former ‘Love Island’ star – who was forced to quit ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ after just 24 hours this week – was seen as a “natural fit” to present the revamped reality show when ITV2 bring it back next year and producers view the 31-year-old beauty as a “contender” for the job, though she faces stiff competition from a number of other famous women.
A source told Politicalite last night: “Olivia met with ITV2 bosses for talks to host Big Brother earlier in the Autumn. She was one of many presenters who have had meetings about the gig.
“It’s one of the most sought-after jobs in the industry right now so it will be a very competitive role to get, but she wanted to throw her hat in the ring and producers definitely see her as a contender.
“She’d be a natural fit the role – she’s sassy and fun, but also very straight-talking so she wouldn’t be shy of giving any housemates who misbehave a grilling when they are eliminated.
“Olivia has also become a real face of ITV2, not only with ‘Love Island’ but her successful documentaries, so it was no surprise bosses wanted to meet with her about the gig.”
Other names in the frame to host the show – which has previously been presented by Davina McCall, Brian Dowling, and Emma Willis – include Vick Hope, Emily Atack and Roman Kemp.
A source said: “Emily and Vick have emerged as the favourites.
“A huge list was drawn up with a number of big-name stars on it, including Davina.
“However there is a feeling bringing in a fresh face would be good for the reboot.”
ITV insisted they have yet to settle on a presenter.
A spokesperson said: “All suggestions surrounding the host are pure speculation.”
BIG BRO PUSHED BACK
The highly anticipated revival of the classic reality show was initially set to hit ITV early next year, but now bosses have decided to delay the launch date to avoid getting lost in the shuffle amid the likes of ‘Love Island’, ‘I’m A Celebrity All Stars’ and other flagship shows like ‘The Masked Dancer’.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column last month: “‘Big Brother’ was originally touted to be back early next year but now it’s going to be much later.
“Initially the plan was to use it to help launch ITVX. But there is so much telly ITV has to get away that ‘Big Brother’ has now been moved back.
“Those working on the show said it will now return in autumn, rather than spring.”
It’s said the reboot will still be coming to ITV2 and ITVX, while bosses are keen to give the programme the best possible relaunch.
The source added: “ITV wants to make sure ‘Big Brother’ gets the fanfare it deserves and the space it needs in the scheduling to flourish.
“It will be aired on ITV2 and ITVX as planned to give it a bigger launch platform.”
Last month, it was revealed casting is underway for the new series, with producers hunting for the best possible housemates.
ITV previously said: “‘Big Brother’ is looking for the nation’s most interesting, funny and entertaining characters who come from every corner of the country.
“The final cast of housemates will live under the watchful eye of Big Brother, and the nation, for up to six weeks with cameras capturing their every move.
“Over the course of the show, they’ll face a series of clever tasks, nail-biting nominations, and live evictions, with the public once again playing a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner.”
