BIG Brother reboot bosses have reportedly banned influencers from applying amid Love Island's tanking ratings.
Big Brother moved across to Channel 5 in 2011 before falling ratings led to it being axed in 2018.
But last year The Sun revealed it was coming back — and going to ITV2.
The reboot is expected to air in October and will be hosted by former Strictly star AJ Odudu and her close pal Will Best.
A source told The Mirror that influencers will be not competing in the reboot, a common pattern with Love Island, despite featuring hopefuls from a broad diversity of occupations too.
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They said, "Bosses have chosen contestants with a genuine innocence to the world of fame, who are wholly authentic and with wide-ranging opinions.
"They want to capture the spark that made it a huge success initially."
It comes after insiders said bosses have immediately said no to "Love Island-type contestants or fame-hungry influencers".
Our source told us: "Casting for the new series opened in October last year and there's been an overwhelming response.
"Bosses have been blown away by the interest in Big Brother - but it shouldn't be surprising given it's the original reality show.
"The casting team and producers are now in the final selection stages and have shortlisted their favourite applicants.
"So far the potential housemates selected are diverse and reflective of the population. They're hoping long-time fans of the show and new viewers are represented on screen.
"Applications have been extended for the final time to catch any last minute hopefuls but the process is very much almost complete."
ITV are also carrying out "rigorous" background checks on each candidate to ensure no skeletons from their past plague the new series.
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The Sun has contacted ITV for comment.
