The new season of Big Brother in the US will begin in under two weeks' time, it has been confirmed.

As expected, the new run will adopt an All-Stars format, with former contestants returning for another shot at winning the $500,000 top prize.

The show had been due to return this month but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and in a statement, broadcaster CBS outlined the steps being taken to keep the production safe.

All of the houseguests will quarantine before entering the house and will take several coronavirus tests in advance, as well as weekly tests once the show is underway. As a result it is not expected that the houseguests will have to socially distance from one another.

As for the crew, they too will be regularly screened for coronavirus and will have no interactions with the cast. All supplies delivered to the houseguests will be disinfected.

The new season will premiere on Wednesday, August 5 on CBS with a live move-in episode hosted by Julie Chen, and thereafter will air Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The weekly live evictions will as usual be hosted by Chen although this season there will be no live studio audience.

The full lineup of houseguests is expected to be announced within the next week.