Emma Willis replaces Brian Dowling as Big Brother host

Channel 5 have confirmed that Emma Willis is to take over presenting duties on Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother.

Willis, currently the host of spin-off programme Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, will replace Brian Dowling as presenter of the reality series when it returns to the channel this Summer.

Dowling has presented Big Brother since its re-launch on Channel 5 in 2011.

“I am thrilled to have been offered this job. I’m a fan first and foremost so to be able to front the show is going to be amazing.  Roll on the Summer!” – Emma Willis

Director of programmes, Channel 5, Ben Frow added: “Emma is a natural on screen, she’s made the spinoff show her own and now the time is totally right for her to step up. I know she’ll take Big Brother to the next level and I can’t wait to see her dealing with the housemates both famous and soon to be famous.

“I’d also like to thank Brian Dowling for doing such a sterling job over the last two years. He’s been a big part of the success of the show and I wish him the very best.”

As well as fronting Channel 5 and 5*’s Bit On The Side, Willis currently presents from the This Morning hub on ITV and has previously fronted I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Now and Girlfri3nds for ITV2.