ITV 'planning big budget drama' about Big Brother

ITV is reportedly planning a drama about the creation of 'Big Brother'.

The broadcaster - which is bringing back the iconic reality show with a revival set for ITV2 in 2023 - is said to be looking to get 'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes on board to adapt the story of producer Ruth Wrigley and her role in the original launch in 2000.

A source told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "The drama is likely to be in a similar vein to ITV hit 'Quiz' which looked at 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?'

"It is focused on the story of cheating Major Charles Ingram, who infamously coughed his way to con the show out of its seven-figure jackpot.

"The 'Big Brother' drama will similarly zone in on the career of Ruth who was instrumental in making it one the nation's biggest obsessions."

The show would be expected to look at the "huge misogyny" Ruth battled as she rose up the TV industry.

The insider added: "Her story is particularly interesting as she had to fight huge misogyny to become one of Britain's biggest exec producers."

As well as helping launch 'Big Brother' - which was on Channel 4 for a decade before moving to Channel 5 in 2011 for a seven-year stint - Ruth helped create 'The Only Way Is Essex'.

It's also thought the drama would see someone play Davina McCall, who was the reality show's first ever host.

Meanwhile, earlier this week it was reported that AJ Odudu is in final talks to front the ITV2 revival.

A source said: "AJ has been offered the Big Brother job and jumped at the opportunity. It’s a huge boost to her career.

"AJ and ITV are still ironing out details in her contract but she has told a lot of people the job is hers."