Big Brother fans rejoice, it has been reported today that Channel 5 are on the brink of signing a new deal with Endemol UK, which will see the reality TV franchise remaining on British TV screens for at least the next few years.

It has been reported that channel bosses are thrilled with the record ratings achieved during the recent celebrity version of the show and are keen to repeat that success by airing at least two series of Celebrity Big Brother, along with one normal one each year.

Channel 4 cancelled the show back in 2010 and for a while it seemed that Big Brother might be finished in the UK, however it has continued to be a popular format following it’s move to Channel 5 and events in the house in January hit the headlines each day, during what is traditionally a quiet time in TV land.

Big Brother boss Gavin Henderson told The Daily Star that he has been delighted with the show’s performance and explained:

“It’s an open secret that Channel 5 have been very pleased with its commercial ­success as have we.

“I’m sure it will continue.”

He added:

“When we moved from Channel 4 to Channel 5, it enabled us to make changes that we couldn’t in the past. We have been a lot more confident this time around in how we drive the stories forward and make entertaining shows.”

Big Brother 2012 auditions continue today in Manchester and along with the usual bunch of producers and researchers, there to pick out the most interesting characters from the crowd, hopefuls will be greeted by former Celebrity Big Brother star Kerry Katona. Check out pictures of her at the event here.

Meanwhile, recent evictee Nicola McLean has revealed that she would like to be considered as a new host for the show, when it returns this summer but thankfully, Brian Dowling has insisted that he isn’t planning to relinquish the role just yet!