Big Brother: The new house is revealed (+PHOTOS)

Details of the biggest-ever Big Brother house have been released ahead of the ninth series of the reality show.

TV bosses hope the new brightly-coloured purpose-built complex will provide the backdrop for must-see viewing after audience figures dropped to their lowest ever last year.

The programme - which began in 2000 - has spawned the likes of Jade Goody and Kate Lawler, as well as short-lived moments of fame for numerous wannabes.

But it suffered a drop in popularity last year, when Big Brother 8 attracted an average of 3.8 million viewers compared with the previous low of 4.5 million for the sixth series.

With the exterior painted in pink, orange, yellow and green, this year's house is the biggest ever. The first glimpse inside reveals a sumptuous bathroom featuring an ostentatious swan tap attached to a huge bath surrounded by flowers, greenery, gold statues and blue velvet sofas.

But the bedroom - in the familiar dormitory-style - offers far less luxury in the form of thin, scratchy blankets and uncomfortable mattresses.

There is a large living area with comfy sofas and plush coverings as well as an ultra-modern separate kitchen area with a red theme.

Housemates are again treated to a swimming pool, this time set in a garden with more greenery than ever before.

Davina McCall will host the show - which starts with the new housemates arriving on Thursday, June 5.

CLICK here to see imagesinside the new Big Brother house.