The Canadian version of Big Brother has been shut down with immediate effect due to the escalating severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

The eighth season of the popular reality show, hosted by Arisa Cox, began on March 4 and was due to run until the end of May on Global.

However, a sharp increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Canada over the last 24 hours - a rise of 492 to take the total past 2,500 - led to the decision to call time on the show straight away.

"Big Brother Canada is a labour of love for so many, and even though it hurts to say goodbye to the season, it's the right thing to do," Cox said in a statement. "On behalf of the incredible people who put this show together, thank you to everyone who started this journey with us. Please take care and be safe!"

Global added that there are "no plans" to resume filming of the current season in the future, although it does plan to air two final episodes tomorrow and next Wednesday (April 1).