Big Brother bosses snub ‘Love Island wannabes’ as criteria for new housemates revealed

Casting is still open! (Picture: ITV)

Big Brother reboot bosses are said to have snubbed ‘Love Island wannabes’ for the iconic reality programme, as it returns to our screens later this year.

The sensational programme has found a new home at ITV after being off screens since 2018.

Big Brother saw the likes of Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson rising to fame, after it originally launched on Channel 4 in 2000.

It’ll now be back with AJ Odudu and Will Best at the helm, but there’s some pretty strict criteria involved with casting.

A source revealed bosses are turning down ‘Love Island-type contestants or fame-hungry influencers.’

‘Bosses have been blown away by the interest in Big Brother – but it shouldn’t be surprising given it’s the original reality show,’ an insider said.

AJ Odudu and Will Best front the new series (Picture: ITV)

They continued to The Sun: ‘The casting team and producers are now in the final selection stages and have shortlisted their favourite applicants.

‘So far the potential housemates selected are diverse and reflective of the population.

‘They’re hoping long-time fans of the show and new viewers are represented on screen.’

The source added that while applications have been ‘extended for the final time’, the process is ‘almost complete’.

It was also claimed ITV will be carrying out ‘rigorous’ background checks on the candidates.

Love Island wannabes are reportedly being turned down (Picture: Shutterstock)

This comes after reports housemates will be put through a ‘watertight training programme’ ahead of appearing on our screens.

Sources claimed the process will actually go ‘well beyond’ what Love Island contestants endure before entering the villa.

According to The Sun, ITV2 has prepared a ‘super-sized’ welfare package to get the housemates clued up, offering them training covering diversity and inclusion, racism and gender diversity, sexual consent, and dealing with conflict.

An insider told the outlet: ‘Love Island’s provision is already considered the Fort Knox of training but ITV knows how important the re-launch of such a loved programme as Big Brother is.

‘And of course, it’s been a fairly difficult time for the channel with recent events on This Morning, so everyone is determined the brand won’t be rocked by any further scandal.’

The source added, however, that some people are ‘concerned’ of the regulations being too ‘tight’, given how chaotic Big Brother was back in the day, from sexual antics in the bedroom to sweary drunken rows.

‘No chance of any wine bottles or pregnancy tests these days!’, the source quipped.

Metro.co.uk has approached ITV for comment.

Big Brother launches on ITV2 later this year.

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Casting is still open!