The infamous Diary Room will be no more Channel 4

WHEN Davina announces the winner of Big Brother tonight, most of us will be elsewhere: in the pub, with friends or watching another channel. How ­different to a few years ago when everything stopped for the final, people held BB parties, and 10 million watched Kate Lawler ­triumph over Alex Sibley and Jade Goody in 2002.

But this year’s series has been as interesting as a cup of cold tea, attracting only around two million viewers. Yet with most international ­versions following the same pattern as the UK to keep ­audiences interested – ever-changing rules, stunts, fake contestants, pretend evictions – does everyone feel the same, or are other countries still hooked?

Holland

The birthplace of BB – and one of the first countries to cancel it. The original ­series was broadcast here in 1999 but after concerns about the show’s ethics, it was axed in 2002. The ­programme was revived in 2005 but scrapped in 2006.

Germany

If you think the latest UK series has dragged, at 93 days, then be grateful you don’t live in BB-mad Germany. It has shown the two longest series: one that lasted a year and, back to back, a­nother that went for 363 days. The latter, in 2005-6, was supposed to run without end, as a real-life soap opera. But the viewers (eventually) switched off and it was ­cancelled. The annual series still runs: the latest ended in July after a mind-numbing 211 days. Another is planned for next year.

Poland

A few years ago, the Poles couldn’t get enough BB – they even watched the UK version, the poor souls. But the last series ended 15 months ago and there are no plans for one in 2009.

Australia

It was originally a big hit but ratings dropped – ­particularly after 2006 when two male housemates were accused of sexual assault on a female participant. The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, called for “this stupid programme” to be scrapped. TV bosses ignored him, but in 2008 he got his wish as ratings fell.

Brazil

BB is still going in ­Brazil, but it peaked back in 2005. This year the demand for attention-grabbing stunts saw four contestants locked in a glass bubble in a Rio de Janeiro shopping mall. There has been no announcement of any future editions.

USA

It’s still pulling in viewers. The current series has been hit by controversy: first there were allegedly racist and homophobic comments and then accusations the show was edited to make housemates appear less ­unpleasant. However, ratings have been five per cent up on last year.

Middle East

This region had the shortest BB love affair. The ­series began on 21 February 2004 with high hopes of a ratings hit. But the idea of males and females living in a single area (despite having separate parts of the house) caused widespread offence and the programme was axed on 2 March – after just 11 days. There are no plans to revive it.