The doors are set to open for the final batch of housemates as the last-ever series of Big Brother hits our screens.

And to mark the end, the show's latest eye logo has been unveiled as a brightly-coloured floral wreath. The tribute, made up of hundreds of flowers, will help to lay the long-running Channel 4 reality show to rest.

Millions of viewers have tuned in each summer to watch the antics of ordinary people since the first series in 2000, when Craig Phillips triumphed - but interest in the show, which brought the likes of Jade Goody to the attention of the nation, has waned since the height of its popularity, and last August it was announced that the programme was being axed.

David Williams, commissioning editor for Big Brother at Channel 4, promised the series will go out with a bang.

He said: "Yes, the series is ending and yes, we wanted to mark that. But we also wanted to show viewers that Big Brother is essentially an incredible entertainment show and there are plans afoot to ensure that a carnival atmosphere of fun and enjoyment will be at the forefront for what we hope will be a lively final series."

Viewers have also been treated to a new trailer for Big Brother 11 which depicts the final farewell of the Big Brother Diary Room chair - but the situation does not remain sombre for long.

The trailer shows a funeral presided over by voice of Big Brother Marcus Bentley - with former housemates among the mourners.

As the chair is lowered into the ground, the scene erupts into a big, colourful mardi gras, with confetti, carnival music and dancing.