24 Oct 2006
Network Ten and Endemol Southern Star have confirmed that Big Brother will return to Australia's screens next year, despite condemnation by the country's prime minister following last year's alleged sexual assault scandal.
In the last series, two of the male contestants were removed from the house following allegations of sexual assault involving a female contestant, Camilla. However, the police subsequently conducted no criminal investigation.
At the time, Australian PM John Howard asked for the reality show to be cancelled, saying: "Here's a great opportunity for Channel Ten to do a bit of self-regulation and get this stupid programme off the air." But the networks have now confirmed it will return for another series.
Network Ten's CEO Grant Blackley said: "Big Brother is an enormous, enduring franchise; no other programme delivers the volume of television for and ratings share among viewers under 40."
According to the network, Big Brother's audience broadened in 2006, with every regular programme winning its timeslot among people aged 16-54, and its accompanying website was Australia's number one TV show website throughout, according to ratings service Hitwise Australia.
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C21 Media 2006
