Celebrity Big Brother fans think they've worked out reason for show's huge controversial shake-up

The wait is finally over as it's now only just a matter of hours until Celebrity Big Brother graces our screens once again after last being on way back when in 2018.

Ever since ITV made the exciting announcement that the star-studded new series, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, will kick off tonight (4 March), many sofa critics have been beyond buzzing to tune into the brand-new cast of famous faces embark on the ultimate social experiment under the all-seeing Big Brother eye.

However, many fans were surprised when AJ and Will announced a huge controversial shake-up to the show, with many now rushing to social media to share their speculation on the 'real' reason behind the last-minute reveal. Have a look:

Now, the rumoured housemates this year include the likes of Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith, TV presenter Fern Britton, former X Factor judge Louis Walsh, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Strictly Come Dancing pro Nikita Kurzman and Ibiza Weekender star David Potts.

Expected to join them are Dragon's Den star Levi Roots, Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches, social media star Zeze Millz, actress Marisha Wallace, Coronation Street actor Colson Smith, Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren Simon and X Factor icon Sharon Osbourne.

With all that said however, an ITV spokesperson previously told Tyla: "Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune in to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house."

But it seems a major change is coming to the BB house as taking to X, formerly Twitter, last week (27 February), the hosts revealed a shock statement about the programme.

ITV

AJ began by announcing: "Celebrity Big Brother is just around the corner so we are coming at you with big news."

Will continued: "Now you'll remember, the last series of Big Brother you were voting to evict. This time, for Celeb BB, you're voting for your favourite housemate.

"You're always voting to save!"

AJ added: "I don't know how it's going to change the dynamics within the Big Brother house or how fans are going to rally behind their favourite celebrity. But I for one cannot wait to find out."

Viewers couldn't wait to share their views on the news, with one Twitter user claiming: "The producers knew they had to change it to save the show as these icons last year were evicted earlier than they should of.

"Now let’s hope they do Vote To Save for future civilian series too."

X/@bbuk

A second chimed in: "Voting to save literally just means the most popular (famous) one will win…"

"Nooooooooooooooooooooo," penned a third. "The best part about Big Brother is voting to evict!!!! It’s going to be way to predictable if we’re voting to save!"

Others, however, were a lot more onboard with the switch-up.

"Sounds like ITV just want to do BB in the nicest way possible! Vote to save will possibly mean the most famous/followed will probably win," wrote one person.

Another added: "Vote to save is SO SO much better!! With vote to evict the big and controversial characters go too early, I hope you keep this for civilian BB as well."

What do you make of the shake-up?

Celebrity Big Brother will be premiering on ITV1 and ITVX tonight (4 March).

Tyla has reached out to ITV for a comment.