The BBC is reportedly in talks about making a new UK series of Survivor some 20 years after the show finished.

The reality format, in which strangers are dumped in a remote location and must compete to be the last one standing, remains a huge hit for CBS in the US, where it has now been on the air for 22 years and is in its remarkable 42nd season.

ITV previously had an attempt at remaking the show with UK contestants, running two series in 2001 and 2002, but the broadcaster was unhappy with the ratings and ditched the format.

According to The Sun, the BBC has been in secret talks about reviving the show in the UK and could announce a deal for a new series within the next few weeks.

A source told the newspaper: "The BBC have been working hard on getting Survivor back on the box and the deal is almost done.

"They have been working on a big contract with a production company to reboot the series.

"It made for great telly back in the early noughties and they think it would do incredibly well now too. The dream would be to have it going out at primetime on BBC One.

"A lot of work has gone into this and all being well, casting will begin in the coming months.

"The BBC could not be more excited about the prospect of bringing Survivor back and given the budget and resources they could invest in it – it could be absolutely amazing."

The first two series were hosted by Mark Austin and Mark Nicholas respectively, although the BBC will bring in a new host if the reboot goes ahead.