Brian Dowling to host Channel 5's Big Brother

Brian Dowling to host Channel 5's Big Brother
Brian Dowling to host Channel 5's Big Brother (Image credit: PA Archive/Press Association Ima)

Brian Dowling has been named as the presenter of the new series of Big Brother. Brian, who won the second series in 2001, and was also named 'champion of champions' when he returned to the house for the last series on Channel 4, will present the show at its new home on Channel 5. He said: "I am so excited about this opportunity to host one of the most talked-about shows on TV. It is 10 years since I won Big Brother so what better way to celebrate and mark that anniversary than to be asked to host the new series. "It's on a new channel and a fresh start for the show that has kept the nation entertained for 11 years and I am so excited to be a part of it." Former host Davina McCall ruled herself out of the role after Channel 4 dropped the original series. Emma Willis, who presented the original spin-off show Big Brother's Little Brother, will present the new version which is now called Big Brother's Bit On The Side. She said: "I'm so happy that Big Brother is back on our screens. I'm such a massive fan of the show so I'm over the moon that I've been asked to be a part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in." The show will launch with a celebrity version before the main series begins. Big Brother launched in the UK in 2000 after it had been a big hit in the Netherlands. It made stars of contestants including Brian, who went on to present SMTV Live, becoming one of the first openly gay children's TV presenters.

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.