After only just marking its 21st birthday in 2022, it seems like Big Brother Australia will not be returning for 2023.

As reported in episode 204 of the So Dramatic! podcast, we can now confirm that Channel 7 have pulled the plug on a follow-up season.

anthony drew big brother
After only just marking its 21st birthday in 2022, it seems like Big Brother Australia will not be returning for 2023. Source: Nine.

According to a well-placed source, the once-hit show has now been “axed”.

“The new head of reality TV at Channel 7 cancelled it,” the source dished. “Endemol [production company] was already in production and already coming up with ideas.”

Reggie Bird Big Brother Australia eviction room
According to a well-placed source, the once-hit show has now been “axed”. Source: Seven.

The source also revealed that the 2023 season was “shelved” due to low ratings in 2022.

“They have already purchased the licensing rights for next year, and they are still not commissioning it even though they’ve forked out big to licence it,” they added. “So, they’ve wasted millions and millions.”

Upon reaching out for comment, Seven denied the rumours.

What Were the Big Brother Australia 2022 Ratings?

While Big Brother saw 1.08 million viewers on average tune in during the 2021 season, it was a different story come 2022.

Even returning housemates Reggie Bird, Tim Dormer, Anthony “Drew” Drew, Trevor Butler, Estelle Landy and Layla Subritzky couldn’t save the show, with the series delivering low ratings against the likes of MasterChef Australia.

Reggie bird estelle landy tim dormer big brother eviction room
Returning fan favourites weren’t enough to save Big Brother Australia. Source: Seven.

Only 582,000 watched as Reggie won the title for a second time, while 1.171 million tuned in as Billie McKay took the glory on the hit cooking show.

It’s a shame to lose it, but maybe bringing back the old format would be more of a success?

Want even more goss? Listen to episode 204 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!

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