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Big Brother revivals in Greece and Portugal have been postponed due to coronavirus fears, while versions in Australia, Brazil, Germany and Sweden are now responding to the crisis.

After production company Endemol Shine struck a number of comeback deals to coincide with Big Brother’s 20th birthday, the reality show’s return in Greece and Portugal was imminent.

However, as a result of the extensive outbreak of COVID-19 disease, these reboots have now been delayed as a precautionary measure.

Greek broadcaster Skai confirmed its decision just hours before the country’s first series in nine years was scheduled to premiere last night (Sunday 15th March).

Skai said in a statement*: “Our main concern is the health of all. Given the unprecedented conditions we are experiencing, following the instructions of experts, the Big Brother premiere has been postponed.”

Portuguese network TVI’s similar announcement came one week before its new series was set to begin, on Sunday 22nd March.

TVI’s programming director Nuno Santos commented*: “In view of the growing situation of risk and uncertainty that Portugal and the world is going through, and after a responsible and sensible evaluation, we intend to postpone the BB2020 debut.

“TVI and Endemol have evaluated the various options in detail, while following the entire security protocol of the public health authorities.

“We have taken all appropriate and recommended preventive measures by the government in relation to the selected competitors.”

It is unclear when both versions will now begin, although Santos expressed confidence in future success, claiming BB Portugal “is and will be the programme of the year”.

Global measures

Meanwhile, adaptations already on air are continuing to take measures to help combat the coronavirus.

Yesterday, Big Brother Canada chiefs began giving houseguests “regular updates” on the emergency and delivered reassuring messages from family, after they expressed confusion when Micheal Stubley left the house to no crowd in last week’s first eviction.

While they were aware of the outbreak, having entered the house just over a fortnight ago, they didn’t know the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, with entire countries put on lockdown.

Minh-Ly Nguyen-Cao reacted: “What a time to be in the Big Brother house, quarantined when there’s a pandemic in the world. We can tell our kids, our grandchildren, we were in Big Brother during a pandemic!”

Contestants on Big Brother Australia, which began filming at the end of February, have been fully briefed. Due to its controversial new pre-recorded format, evictions no longer involve audiences regardless.

A BBAU spokesperson commented: “Endemol Shine Australia takes the health and safety of our crew and contestants extremely seriously.

“We are working in line with current guidelines and production on Big Brother is continuing. Housemates have been brought across the current situation and we are in constant contact with the families.”

Big Brother Germany, which is airing its first ‘civilian’ series in five years, is also set to perform a U-turn by informing housemates.

Bosses had initially stood by the format’s ‘no contact with the outside world’ rule, with four late entrants – who arrived only a week ago – forbidden from revealing any more recent news that had broken.

However, they will all now be brought up-to-date tomorrow, with video messages from home and the opportunity to ask the show’s doctor any questions they may have, a move inspired by the Italian version.

The celebrities on Grande Fratello VIP became the first housemates worldwide to find out the extent of the situation last week after Italy, the worst-hit country outside China, was shut down by its government.

Elsewhere, Big Brother Sweden execs have addressed participants and stopped adding new entrants, while Brazil has axed eviction audiences and cancelled several celebrity guest appearances planned as part of a 20th anniversary celebration.

Israel has issued staff instructions on how to handle the virus, although contestants – who have been locked in the house since January – remain in the dark, at least for the time being.

The Malayalam-language edition of Bigg Boss is presently airing in India, but how it has responded to the outbreak is unclear.

*Statements adapted from Google Translate