Celebrity Big Brother 2012: Jeff Ford interview

Jeff Ford is the director of Channel 5 programming and Channel 5 have kindly given us his interview about the series of Celebrity Big Brother.
You’re welcoming Celebrity Big Brother back to the channel for a second series. Why do you think it is still so relevant?
The figures and anticipation around the show speak for themselves. For us, Big Brother is the original reality show that defined the genre and its popularity proves that it is still so relevant. I think that the show has found its spiritual home on Channel 5.

What is your favourite thing about Big Brother?
It’s got to be the lineup. The show is all about the personalities and how they interact. It’s just amazing to see celebrities from different areas of entertainment, news or sport, trying to live together side by side with each other …it can be so much fun and at times quite bizarre! For Big Brother, I love to see the 12 housemates getting to know each other for the first time and then becoming a close group ..or not!

Is there anything about the Celebrity series that you particularly enjoy?
I enjoy the excitement that surrounds the show with the Celebrity series. Viewers are always so eager to see how their favourite celebs live and it’s always fun to see famous faces put through their paces in the tasks. Brian Dowling has really established himself as the new, fresh face of Big Brother, so I’m also looking forward to seeing him return to our screens.

Can you tell us anything exciting about the new Celebrity series?
Well, the house and set have been completely refurbished and redesigned ahead of our new celebrity housemates’ entrance. Let’s just say there will be a ski-chalet feel, so hopefully the housemates enjoy après ski! The new decor is another way that we are continually keeping the show fresh and exciting. It’s looking great this year, I’d love to live in there (albeit for a week or so…).

What is the channel looking to do around the new Celebrity Big Brother series?
Big Brother has brought in new viewers to the channel and it’s given us scope to introduce new and exciting shows around it. We have new formats and documentaries reflecting real lives plus a new entertainment show, Celebrity Wedding Planner, which will keep our audience tuned in all Friday evening.

What are your predictions for the channel for 2012?
I want Channel 5 to keep connecting with UK audiences, reflecting who we are and what we like as a nation…but always with fun and passion through our new shows and established favourites.

What’s your new year’s resolution for the channel?
To build on the great work of 2011 and continue to offer an interesting and exciting schedule.