With Big Brother to return in the U.K. this autumn, a new report claims the show’s iconic theme tune is on the chopping block amid sexual assault allegations against the creator.
The Mirror reported Saturday that show bosses are considering scrapping the tune, written by Paul Oakenfold and Andy Gray, in favour of a new theme tune when the series begins later this year.
Oakenfold has been accused of sexual harassment by his 24-year-old former assistant in the Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month. The claim alleges that Oakenfold performed a sex act in front of her on her first day in October 2022 and the incident occurred several times after that.
The lawsuit states that she a non-disclosure agreement “under duress” and returned to work for the management company but not with Oakenfold.
Oakenfold has denied all allegations.
“I categorically deny any and all claims of improper conduct. Respect, integrity, and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with the utmost professionalism,” he said in a statement.
“It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money.”
A source told The Mirror that ITV is currently awaiting to see how the lawsuit plays out before making any decisions.
“Big Brother and ITV have been shocked by the claims made against Paul and are waiting to see how the lawsuit develops,” a source said. “There had been plans to re-release Elementfour to coincide with the relaunch of Big Brother later this year, but they’ve been shelved for now.”
Big Brother is set to return to the U.K. this autumn for its first series since 2018. ITV and ITVX is the new home for the long-running reality series, to be hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best.
