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'Love Island' And 'Big Brother' 2017 Launches To Go Head-To-Head In New Ratings War

It's like 'X Factor' and 'Strictly' all over again.
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By 

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

There is set to be a new war of the reality TV titans, as it has been confirmed the launches of ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Love Island’ will go head-to-head in the schedules. 

TV bosses have today (24 May) announced that both shows will return to our screens on Monday 5 June. 

‘Love Island’ will air from 9pm on ITV2, but Channel 5 chiefs have been sneaky and scheduled ‘Big Brother’ at 8.30pm, giving it a half-hour head start over its rival. 

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Caroline Flack and Emma Willis are fronting 'Love Island' and 'Big Brother' respectively
ITV/Channel 5

The move from C5 chiefs comes after the last series of ‘Love Island’ began to overtake ‘Big Brother’ in the ratings towards the end of its run. 

The 2016 series of ‘Love Island’ attracted an average of 1.47m viewers a night - up 900,000 on the previous series, which was the first of the revived version of the show. 

Meanwhile, it has been reported ‘Big Brother’ has decided to drop its planned ‘pairs’ twist, which would have seen sets of housemates enter the famous compound together. 

Instead, bosses are said to have opted to throw their weight behind the ‘Best Of British’ theme, which was revealed earlier this month. 

Upon the unveiling of the Union Jack-themed eye logo, a spokesperson hinted the show would be returning to its social experiment roots with “a selection of people, from a range of backgrounds” entering the house.

“This summer, ‘Big Brother’ presents a must-watch culture clash of modern Britain,” they said. 

“At a time of political upheaval and tough questions about unity in the UK, ‘Big Brother’ brings you an alternative look at Britain.”

'Big Brother' Winners Through The Years
Craig Phillips(01 of18)
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Craig won the first ever series of 'Big Brother', paving the way for over a decade more of bitching, sexual tension and arguing over the shopping budget. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Brian Dowling(02 of18)
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'Big Brother' really found its feet in series two, when former flight attendant Brian Dowling was crowned the winner. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
Kate Lawler(03 of18)
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'Big Brother' had its first ever female winner in 2002, with Kate Lawler snatching the title. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Cameron Stout(04 of18)
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Dubbed the most boring 'BB' ever, series four was eventually won by laugh-a-minute heartthrob, Cameron Stout. (credit:PA Archive)
Nadia Almada(05 of18)
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In one of the best moments in 'BB' history, Nadia was moved to tears with the cheers from the crowd and fireworks that surrounded her as she was named the winner of 'Big Brother 5'. (credit:Andy Butterton/PA Archive)
Anthony Hutton(06 of18)
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It isn't hard to see why the public chose Anthony as their winner in 2005... (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Pete Bennett(07 of18)
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Pete's win was a typically understated one... (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Brian Belo(08 of18)
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True, he didn't know who Shakespeare was, but Brian's endearing nature landed him the title of 'BB' winner in series eight. (credit:Stuart Wilson via Getty Images)
Rachel Rice(09 of18)
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Good dress. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sophie Reade(10 of18)
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Sophie Reade was amazed when she was voted the winner of 'Big Brother 10', but the real star of the show was Davina McCall's quiff.10/10, Davina. Well done all concerned. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Josie Gibson(11 of18)
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After winning 'Big Brother 11', Josie was quickly thrown back into the house when 'Ultimate Big Brother' started, but walked after a few days declaring "I'm not a celebrity I'm just normal".We suppose it was sharing a house with A-listers like Preston from the Ordinary Boys and Makosi that intimidated her so much. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Brian Dowling(12 of18)
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The people's favourite, Brian triumphed over Nadia, Makosi, Josie and - bizarrely - Ulrika Jonsson to be crowned 'Ultimate Housemate'. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Aaron Allard-Morgan(13 of18)
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In Channel 5's first crack at the 'BB' whip, Aaron Allard-Morgan was named the public's favourite and walked away with the cash prize. (credit:Nat Jag via Getty Images)
Luke Anderson(14 of18)
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In 2012, 'BB' had one of its bitchiest years ever with the housemates basically turning on each other from the get go. Luke Anderson became the second ever transgender winner that year. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sam Evans(15 of18)
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In what turned out to be a vintage year for 'BB', Sam Evans was voted the winner. Since scooping the prize it's thought he's gone back to his old job at Debenhams. Living the dream. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Helen Wood (16 of18)
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Then there's Helen Wood. Well, what can we say? Her face says it all. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Chloe Wilburn (17 of18)
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While the returning Nikki Grahame was obviously the star of the series, she wasn't eligible to win (sadly). Instead, the 'Timebomb'-themed run was won by normal lass Chloe. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Jason Burrill(18 of18)
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In another shock win, Jason was crowned the champion of the 2017 run over bookies' favourite Hughie Morgan, much to the disgust of his ex-girlfriend and fellow housemate Charlie Doherty. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
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