The Italian and Indian versions of Big Brother will end earlier than planned due to the increasing severity of the coronavirus outbreak.
Italy is the country most affected by the disease in terms of deaths, with more than 3,400 fatalities reported so far - surpassing China, where COVID-19 is thought to have originated.
Grande Fratello VIP - the celebrity version of the BB format in Italy - has been running since the start of January and was due to end on April 27, but the finale has now been brought forward to April 8.
For the last fortnight no new contestants have been able to enter the house, while live studio audiences have been dropped following the latest government health advice on social distancing.
In India, Bigg Boss - watched by more than 20m viewers - has been "temporarily suspended" with immediate effect, with the final episode airing today.
Ongoing versions of Big Brother in Germany, Canada and Australia are to continue for the time being.
Neil Wilkes
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