There was much speculation about the programme's future due to the dip in ratings.

But loyal fans will be pleased to know Channel 5 bosses have reportedly filed a planning application to the local council to retain the buildings used for the show.

Keen to keep the show going for as long as possible, production firm Endemol Shine Group has renewed the lease on the famous house at Elstree Studios for another three years.



New beginnings: Loyal fans will be pleased to know that Channel 5 bosses have filed a planning application to the local council to retain the buildings used for the show

With fan favourites Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal heading the show, it is no surprise that Endemol filed a planning application to the local council saying it wanted to retain the buildings so they could film shows there for the next three years.

Big Brother first launched 18 years ago, and despite this apparent commitment to the show, Channel 5's contract to air it and Celebrity Big Brother runs out at the end of this year.

This may become a concern for presenter Emma and Big Brother's Bit On The Side host Rylan if the programme is moved to a different channel.

A Channel 5 Big Brother representative declined to comment.

Hosts: With fan favourites Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal heading the show, it is no surprise that Endemol filed a planning application to the local council

Time for a change up? There was much speculation about the programmes future due to the increasing dip in ratings

Channel 5 no more? This may become a concern for presenter Emma and Big Brother's Bit On The Side host Rylan if the programme is moved to a different channel

Channel 5's Director of Programming, Ben Frow, originally cast doubt on the programmes future by admitting to The Sun that he wouldn't be interested in continuing to air the reality show 'in its current form'.

He also added that he would not authorise spending a huge sum to keep it.

With the new lease, Endemol has vowed to refresh the format of the series amid strong competition from other reality shows such as ITV2's popular Love Island.

Future plans: Keen to keep the show going for as long as possible, production firm Endemol Shine Group has renewed the lease of the famous house at Elstree Studios for another three years

Keen to shake things up, Endemol's chief creative officer Peter Salmon revealed: 'Big Brother has got to last. You have to roll your sleeves up and renew it for a different generation.'

He continues: 'It is having a tougher competitive time in the UK but it's huge around the world.'

'Love Island has been sensational. If Big Brother is not on top form, we have to keep changing it.'

With the 19th series of Big Brother starting next month, its looking like its going to be pretty exciting.