Channel 4 has announced that it has ordered a third series of The Circle, as well as a week-long celebrity version in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
The cult reality show sees strangers move into separate flats in an apartment block, whereupon they are only allowed to communicate with each other through a social media and messaging service called The Circle.
The inherent reclusive nature of the show's format means that production can more easily be adapted to deal with health and safety issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
For its first two series, The Circle has aired live but the entire third series and celebrity spinoff will be pre-recorded in full later this year before airing early in 2021.
"Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, people around the world have been learning the power of connecting remotely," said executive producer Tim Harcourt.
"Perhaps in the light of this, the new series will resonate even more for audiences as well as offer them the distraction of fun, warmth and strategy."
Emma Willis will return as host for the new series, while comedian Sophie Willan will be back as narrator.
"The Circle is just brilliant, unmissable television," said Willis. "I loved every minute of being a part of it and I'm delighted to be returning to it for another series where I'll be right at the centre of all the mischief and drama!
"To add to that, we're also doing a celeb version - I can't wait to see who'll be in the lineup and whether they'll play as themselves or as another celebrity, it's going to be incredible."
Casting for series three is now open.
Neil Wilkes
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