Big Brother Australia axed

AFTER eight series, 162 housemates and guests, and a viewer slide of almost 1.8 million, Channel 10 has admitted that not even Kyle Sandilands and Pamela Anderson could save Big Brother.

Last night the network announced that next Monday's show - during which the series winner will be announced at the Gold Coast compound - will be the ground-breaking reality show's last.

The series which attracted up to 2.8 million viewers back in 2001 is now averaging little more than one million viewers per episode.

Ten chose to forge ahead this year with the ageing format, spiced up with appearances by party boy Corey Worthington, gay style guru Carson Kressley and Anderson, a former Baywatch babe.

But falling 2008 ratings and the need for new fresh programs this year saw Ten programmers make the decision late last week - with the backing of Ten's board.

Producers Endemol Southern Star were then informed, but the news was kept secret over the weekend before the final seven episodes roll out from tonight. It follows last week's appearance by a skimpily-clad Anderson, who was reportedly paid $500,000 to appear on the flagging show.

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