Chris Moyles takes reins for Big Brother's Big Mouth

by Charlie McCathie, Brand Republic 24-May-07, 12:55

LONDON - Chris Moyles will be the first guest host of the new series of 'Big Brother's Big Mouth', after the BBC Radio 1 DJ signed a contract to front the first three shows.

The first 'Big Mouth' will be broadcast on Wednesday May 30, at 11:05pm on Channel 4, and will have a studio set and audience twice the size of the last series.

It is the first time 'Big Mouth' has been broadcast on the terrestrial channel rather than E4, and the special Friday night edition will remain a regular fixture, spanning the 14 weeks of the show.

Moyles' predecessor, Russell Brand, turned the spin-off show into a cult hit, with his madcap, erratic approach. The flamboyant presenter was a ratings winner for E4, and viewing figures peaked during the Celebrity Big Brother race row. His decision to quit, citing acting plans as his reason, was a major blow for the digital channel.

Moyles will be expected to follow Brand's lead and spark debate with the live studio audience, viewers at home and a panel of journalists, celebrities, fans, and relatives of the housemates.

It is hoped that Moyles will prove to be a similar draw for viewers in 'Big Mouth's first week. His Radio 1 breakfast show recently posted its highest ever audience figures, with 7.06m listeners.

A series of guest hosts will take the helm after Moyles' stint. Peaches Geldof and 'Big Cook Little Cook' hosts Steve Marsh and Dan Wright are rumoured to be in the running.