It has emerged this week that ITV have begun talks with Endemol, the company behind Big Brother, with a view to poaching the show from Channel 4.

Big brother has aired on Channel 4 since its debut series siz years ago, but contrary to popular belief, Channel 4 has no long term contract with Endemol, and after next year Big brother may have to move house.

A source told the Media Guardian that ITV’s director of television Simon Shaps was prepared to put up an “almighty fight” to take the show.

“Big Brother is with Channel 4 at the moment and Endemol is quite happy with them but technically it has no home after next year,” the source is quoted as saying. “When it comes to pure financial muscle, ITV could probably beat Channel 4.”