Channel 5 has begun searching for new shows that could replace Big Brother UK in the event the reality format is not renewed.

Big Brother’s future is in peril following severe ratings drops in 2017, with the latest Celebrity edition failing to halt the decline. It ended earlier this month with a consolidated average of 1.9million viewers, down 470,000 on last January.

C5’s current deal with production company Endemol Shine UK expires later this year, after one more ‘civilian’ and one more Celebrity series, airing this summer.

A recent report claimed that the broadcaster is “seriously considering” axing Big Brother, though another said it’s “far too early to suggest it’s the end”.

Although the two parties are locked in talks, the situation has now prompted C5 to begin preparing contingency plans in case it does pull the plug.

According to TV industry newspaper Broadcast, C5’s director of programmes, Ben Frow, has written to several ‘preferred’ production partners inviting them to pitch new shows that could replace Big Brother.

If the 18-year-old reality juggernaut does end, over 110 hours of airtime in the prime 9pm and 10pm slots would be freed up from next year.

Frow said it was “prudent” to prepare for every eventuality, revealing that he’s seeking a range of different programmes to take BB’s place.

“We know that it is unrealistic to think we can replicate the scale of Big Brother across the schedule,” he commented.

Big Brother has recently fallen out of Frow’s favour. In August, he publicly stated that he “would be much happier” if C5 did not have the show.

However, an Endemol Shine spokesperson stressed that negotiations are ongoing. “We continue to be in active discussions with C5 over the price of the next Big Brother deal,” the rep said.

C5 is thought to be keen to drive down the cost of Big Brother following the ratings drop. According to a 2015 report, bosses currently pay £40million per year for two Celebrity and one ‘civilian’ series.