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Versions of Big Brother in Italy and India are set to end their current series early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As the world continues efforts to tackle the spread of COVID-19 disease, more and more television shows – ranging from hit dramas like Line of Duty to entertainment favourites such as The Voice UK – have suspended or shut down production.

Revivals of Big Brother in Greece and Portugal were postponed earlier this week, the former just hours before it was due to begin.

Now two adaptations already on air have followed suit by confirming premature conclusions to their present runs.

In Italy, the fourth edition of Grande Fratello VIP, which began on 8th January, had been extended to a record 111 days midway through due to ratings success.

However, the move was reversed earlier this week, and its finale episode has been brought forward to 8th April – almost three weeks earlier than the planned date of 27th April.

The celebrity contestants have been receiving daily updates about the situation since Italy, the worst-hit country outside of China, went on government-ordered lockdown last week.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the second Malayalam-language series of Bigg Boss in India is ending after the local arm of production company Endemol Shine announced a “voluntary suspension of all our administrative and production departments”.

The show began on 5th January, when the outbreak was in its early stages – with the remaining original housemates only finding out how serious it had become this week.

Endemol Shine India said it is “committed to the well-being and safety of its employees, cast and crew” and that its suspension had been made “with an abundance of caution” to comply with “all the safety and precautionary measures suggested by the government”.

Bosses in both countries have yet to clarify how they will adapt the format to suit the early conclusions.

UPDATE: Bigg Boss Malayalam concluded on Friday 20th March, becoming only the third series in worldwide Big Brother history – and the first in thirteen years – to end without naming a winner.

Other versions are tentatively planning to continue production pending further action from authorities, including Big Brother Canada.

An official statement read: “Global and Insight Productions will continue to broadcast and produce Big Brother Canada as scheduled until further notice.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise on any changes to the production or broadcast schedules.”

Big Brother Israel also intends to keep going, having finally informed housemates – most of whom have been isolated in the house since 1st January – about the pandemic yesterday.

This came after Endemol Shine instructed all versions of Big Brother worldwide to treat coronavirus as an exception to the usual ‘no contact with the outside world’ rules, and therefore keep contestants fully updated with developments.

Big Brother Germany subsequently held a live special last night, during which participants got to ask its resident doctor questions and watch reassuring video messages from friends and family.

The show is also currently running in Australia, Brazil and Sweden.