Talks between Channel 5’s Richard Desmond and Endemol UK are at an advanced stage as the two sides attempt to hammer out a deal for Big Brother.

It is understood that negotiations re-opened in recent months after collapsing in September and that although nothing has been signed, a deal could be weeks away.

The deal could be for as long as five years, although it is understood this could be reduced if certain performance targets are not met.

Both parties declined to comment.

Northern & Shell owner, Desmond, placed the reality show at the top of his shopping list when he bought the channel from RTL in July for £103.5m, announcing a “multi-million pound” investment in content.

He is keen to tap into the cross-promotional opportunities provided by his TV and publishing operation and would be able to give the format a marketing push through his titles including the Daily Express, OK! and New!

He is also keen to put C5 back on the map and is relaunching the channel on 14 February. It is believed he will extend the reality series’ 13-week run and will bring back Celebrity Big Brother.

However, Desmond failed to strike a deal with the Big Brother producer in September after battling over price. He was hoping to air the show at a fraction of the original price paid by Channel 4 which signed a three-year contract with Endemol in 2006, believed to be worth up to £70m.

Big Brother ended its run on C4 last year after 11 series. Ratings have diminished over time – from a high of 9.2m for the final of series three, falling to an average of 4m over the next four series and ending on an average of just over 2m.

However ratings improved during BB11 and it is still considered a key format, not least because of the level of Endemol’s investment in dedicated staff, the BB house and studio at Elstree. Closure and redeployment would be costly meaning both sides have an incentive to tie-up a deal quickly.

Northern & Shell, Desmond’s privately owned media group, originally teamed up with Endemol, intending to launch a joint bid for the UK’s fourth largest terrestrial channel.

He eventually bought it for £103.5m without the need for a partner.

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