CHANNEL 5 bosses have denied claims they're axing Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother — saying the show's contracts will probably be extended when they run out later this year.

A newspaper yesterday reported Big Brother, presented by Emma Willis, will be “consigned to the dustbin for good".

4 Big Brother bosses deny the show and its spin-off are to be binned Credit: Channel 5

But The Sun's Bizarre column understands bosses still see the show as a major feature of the Channel 5 schedules and will hold talks about further series when their current deal expires at the end of the year.

A Big Brother source said: "Channel 5 already has a deal in place for another civilian version of Big Brother and a Celebrity Big Brother which will both air later this year.

4 The show is currently in its 21st series Credit: Channel 5

"It's still a very successful show for Channel 5, with millions of viewers, so obviously there will be discussions with the production company about extending the show beyond that.

"It's far too early to suggest it's the end of Big Brother, quite the opposite, so fans can relax.

4 Emma Willis presents Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother Credit: Getty - Contributor

"An extension of the deal is likely, it's just that those conversations haven't happened yet."

A second TV industry source yesterday also labelled the claims "untrue" and said claims they're going to pull the plug on the show are "pure speculation."

The reality TV classic has been on British TV screens for 18 years, though ratings have dropped since it was first aired on Channel 4 with Davina McCall as host.

4 Davina McCall was the show's previous host Credit: ©UKTV

The current series of CBB drew its lowest ever launch show ratings, but still attracted 2.4million loyal fans.

But it faces stiff competition from similar reality shows thanks to the success of ITV2 rival Love Island and upcoming new series Survival of the Fittest.

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