The first US 'Celebrity Big Brother' has been announced

ex ecutive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan said in a statement: "'Big Brother' has been dominating pop culture throughout its 19 seasons, and it is exciting to grow the franchise with the first-ever celebrity edition in the US.

"Celebrities will be under the watchful eye of the Big Brother cameras, facing the classic game elements, and of course new twists in this special winter event."

'Celebrity Big Brother' is expected to air in winter 2018, and there is set to be multiple episodes per week.

'Big Brother' will also return to the small screen next year for its 20th season.

Julie, whose husband is CBS CEO Leslie Moonves, is expected to host the celebrity version of the programme.

She told The Hollywood Reporter: "He said, 'You and your show are single-handedly keeping this network afloat during the summer. You're keeping this network running.'

"If you know one thing about my husband, it has to make economic sense. They crunched the numbers and said, 'Based on the following we have, we can do it and make it work and make it profitable.' "

CBS Entertainment president, Kelly Kahl added: "Big Brother has been a ratings winner since its premiere in 2000, and keeps going strong with a passionate fan base across multiple platforms, on-air, online and on social."

The 20th series of the British 'Celebrity Big Brother' came to a close last month, and was won by Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.

Britain's 'Big Brother' began in July 2000 and has spanned 18 series.