Channel 5 is saying Bbye Bbye to BB

BIG Brother has been axed by Channel 5, leaving makers Endemol Shine seeking a new home for the show.

Channel 5 picked up the rights in 2011 after it was dumped by Channel 4.

The network said: “The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last, of either celebrity or civilian versions, on Channel 5.

“We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send off.”

Endemol said it was disappointed by Channel 5’s decision but added: “The decision opens up a new chapter and we are excited about future possibilities for BB in the UK.”

The show was a huge hit when launched in 2000. At one point, viewing figures neared six million. The last series attracted 1.2 million. OUTSIDE the boarded-up shell of a pub, Rebecca Long-bailey surveys a scene of despair that used to be a thriving community.

Elsewhere, empty stores and businesses stand in mute testament to what was once a bustling high street.

Now, there is a sad mix of charity shops, bookies and pay-day lenders.

This is Eccles in Greater Manchester, near where Ms Long-bailey was raised.

And the Shadow Secretary for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told how she backs our High Street fightback campaign to revive blighted towns.

She said: “I grew up in Old Trafford just over the way and I spent a lot of time in Eccles. I live here now.

“It used to be a busy, thriving place. My dad used to tell me stories about what a great night out it was.

“We had the most pubs within a square mile. I can’t remember if it was in the North West or the UK but we were quite proud of that fact.

“The big stores were here, Woolies and things like that.

“People came as a destination. I can remember when I was little coming here. It was exciting.

“But it’s been dying. When you walk round you can see that.

“The shops are empty or they’ve been replaced by charity shops or

LAST ORDERS Long-bailey outside the closed pub

MOVING ON Big Brother