BIG BROTHER bosses have blocked reality 'wannabes' from taking part in the new series on ITV2.

The reality show is returning to screens this October on ITV2 after five years off air in an epic re-launch.

Casting for the reboot is at its final stages, with potential housemates who have impressed producers now taking part in face-to-face meetings.

The Sun can reveal execs are keen to make sure it's reflective of old-school Big Brother but also want it to have its own era on ITV2.

An insider said bosses have immediately said no to "Love Island-type contestants or fame-hungry influencers".

Our source said: "Casting for the new series opened in October last year and there's been an overwhelming response.

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"Bosses have been blown away by the interest in Big Brother – but it shouldn't be surprising given it's the original reality show.

"The casting team and producers are now in the final selection stages and have shortlisted their favourite applicants.

"So far the potential housemates selected are diverse and reflective of the population. They're hoping long-time fans of the show and new viewers are represented on screen.

"Applications have been extended for the final time to catch any last minute hopefuls but the process is very much almost complete."

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ITV are also carrying out "rigorous" background checks on each candidate to ensure no skeletons from their past plague the new series.

Big Brother has ejected housemates from the TV house before over their conduct on the outside world.

Controversial figure Andrew Tate was dropped from the show when "new information" about him came to Channel 5's attention in 2016.

Tila Tequila was booted just 24 hours into Celebrity Big Brother 2015 after a controversial social media post resurfaced.

AJ Odudu and Will Best were previously announced as the new presenters of Big Brother.

The Sun also confirmed that original narrator Marcus Bentley, who has covered every single episode since the show began in 2000, will be back for the re-launch.

Just last week we told how ITV have prepared a “super-sized” welfare package to drill the participants of their reboot on everything from diversity and inclusion, racism and gender diversity to sexual consent and dealing with conflict.

The Sun was told that this new programme goes far beyond the already robust training laid on for Love Island’s young singles.

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