While fans of Big Brother will already be celebrating the fact that the reality TV staple will return to UK screens next year, they may soon have even more reason to rejoice.
That's because ITV2 will be reportedly looking to bring back one of the show's biggest icons - in the form of North East narrator Marcus Bentley.
The legendary voice of Big Brother looks increasingly likely to return to the show, when it makes a comeback in 2023 - The Mirror reports, with ITV boss Kevin Lygo dropping a huge hint that he may have the Gateshead-born host on board.
Read more: Alison Hammond announces she wants Big Brother return as host in Loose Women interview
Speaking at the Broadcasting Press Guild, Lygo revealed that he still hoped to convince Marcus to be part of the new series - with talks ongoing ahead of the launch. Kevin said: "People thought that Big Brother would never come back but we were overwhelmed by the response when we announced it."
However, as of yet Bentley hasn't been signed up, previously explaining: "I'm not confirmed. It's very early days. I think it sounds like I am. I'm getting calls from [producers] and they're going to keep me updated. But they haven't chosen anything."
Bentley has been a part of Big Brother from the outset with his broad Geordie accent becoming synonymous with the show since it launched in 2000.
While the new Big Brother's official airing date has not yet been released, it is though to be later in the year. A TV source said: "Big Brother was originally touted to be back early next year but now it’s going to be on far later.
"Fans can expect it to air in the Autumn as ITV have such a packed schedule. As well as two series of Love Island, they also have the I’m A Celebrity All Stars special in South Africa to go out.
"And that’s not forgetting their other major flagship shows like The Masked Dancer and The Masked Singer. ITV wants to make sure Big Brother gets the fanfare it deserves and the space it needs in the scheduling to flourish.
"It will be given a prominent spot in Autumn and will air on both ITV2 and ITVX to give it a bigger launch platform."
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