BB keeps watch for two more years

Big Brother fans can breathe a sigh of relief - Channel 4 has signed up to two more series of the reality TV show.

The four-year contract between the broadcaster and the show's creator Endemol was due to expire at the end of this year. But a new deal between the pair will now take the show through to 2007.

Julian Bellamy, head of Channel 4 factual entertainment, said: 'We are delighted to extend our commitment to Big Brother for another two years. Big Brother has become a traditional and hugely popular fixture in the summertime TV calendar.'

Lucas Church, managing director of Endemol UK, added: 'Channel 4 remains the natural home for this project and we are delighted to be extending our partnership for another two years.'