After weeks of speculation the official Celebrity Big Brother line-up has finally been confirmed, albeit without the authorisation of ITV1.
Contestants, many of whom already linked to the show, were seen arriving at a hotel in Watford over the weekend ahead of the show’s expected return on Monday evening.
There were few surprises as an already predicted assortment of daytime chat show personalities, soap stars and reality TV veterans embraced ahead of their grand entrance on the revived Big Brother spin-off.
However firebrand Sharon Osbourne and her former X Factor compadre Louis Walsh were nowhere in sight, despite being strongly linked with separate appearances in the Celebrity Big Brother compound.
But who is going in? MailOnline has all the details.
After weeks of speculation the official Celebrity Big Brother line-up has finally been confirmed, albeit without the authorisation of ITV1
FERN BRITTON (FORMER THIS MORNING HOST)
Fern Britton was among the first to arrive over the weekend, and according to sources she has no intention on ‘holding back’ regarding her past feud with former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield.
‘She wants to show the public a different side to her — unscripted and unapologetic,’ a source told The Sun.
‘She has a lot of stories to tell and she won’t hold back when it comes to her relationships with people like Phil.
‘They don’t speak anymore so there are no bridges to burn as far as she is concerned.’
Fern, 66, became a household name hosting This Morning alongside Philip, 61, from 1999 to 2009, when she was replaced by Holly Willoughby.
The pair co-hosted the daytime show together from 2003 until 2009.
It was claimed at the time she felt ‘undervalued by ITV’ and that she was ‘living in Phil’s shadow’.
Fern Britton was among the first to arrive over the weekend, and according to sources she has no intention on ‘holding back’ regarding her past feud with Phillip Schofield
It was also reported Fern was being paid £250,000 a year less than Phil and that he was earning three times her salary when they were fronting Mr and Mrs together from 2008 to 2010.
Phil is said to have banked £45,000 an hour while Fern earned just £15,000.
However, Fern denied she left ITV because of her salary and upon her departure she mentioned the whole This Morning team rather than just Phillip.
Four years after her departure, Phillip admitted he and Fern no longer spoke.
Last year Fern confirmed that while she had a ‘marvellous’ time working on This Morning, she hasn’t stayed in touch with Phillip.
She said: ‘We were involved in the show and mates at the time, but we don’t really [speak anymore].’
MailOnline has contacted both ITV reps and Fern’s representatives for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing hunk Nikita Kuzmin has sparked fears he could quit the BBC show after signing up for Celebrity Big Brother
NIKITA KUZMIN (STRICTLY COME DANCING PROFESSIONAL)
Strictly Come Dancing hunk Nikita Kuzmin has sparked fears he could quit the BBC show after signing up for Celebrity Big Brother.
The twinkle-toed star, 26, joined Strictly as one of four new professionals in 2021 and has been paired with chef Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Tilly Ramsay, former Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds and actor Layton Williams during his time on the programme.
But it is feared he may quit after three years, fears that were compounded by Nikita arriving in Watford over the weekend.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘This will send the rumour mill into overdrive, with some already suggesting he may not return to Strictly and is instead making the most of being a rising star.
‘He’ll have been selected by CBB producers as an obvious heartthrob who can spice things up in the house — and maybe even spill some secrets from behind the scenes of Strictly.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Nikita for comment. The BBC declined to comment.
Coronation Street legend Colson Smith is also set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother on Monday evening
The actor, who portrays Craig Tinker in the soap, has impressed ITV bosses after having a series of talks for months (pictured with Lucy Fallon in 2017)
COLSON SMITH (CORONATION STREET ACTOR)
Coronation Street legend Colson Smith is also set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother on Monday evening.
The actor, 25, who portrays Craig Tinker in the soap, has impressed ITV bosses after having a series of talks for months and was seen greeting fellow housemates in Watford over the weekend.
Insiders have already predicted that the soap star will go all the way as he is extremely ‘likeable and down to earth in real life’ just like his Corrie character.
A source told The Sun: ‘Big Brother producers have been in talks with Colson for months and it looks like a done deal.
‘They’re thrilled he’s keen to enter the nation’s most famous house because he’s a big name already loved by millions of viewers and they were hellbent of securing someone from Corrie as it’s great cross-promotion for ITV.
‘Colson’s character Craig is a huge favourite with soap fans and he’s just as likeable and down to earth in real life so don’t be surprised if he ends up winning the whole thing. He’s got all the ingredients of a Celeb BB champion.’
Colson joined the long-running soap in 2011 when he was just 13-years-old.
His character has been in a number of hard-hitting storylines over the years, from being bullied as a schoolboy to becoming a policeman and battling OCD.
In 2011, Colson dipped into reality TV as he took on ITV’s The Games competing against the likes of Ryan Thomas and Wes Nelson.
Away from TV, Colson dropped ten stone after deciding to change his lifestyle and took up running during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The actor, who admits he was targeted by cruel trolls over his weight while growing up in the public eye, says lockdown inspired him to make a change.
Ekin-Su Culculoglu has also signed up for the upcoming series of Celebrity Big Brother and was seen embracing friends outside her Watford hotel over the weekend
The reality star won Love Island with her ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti in 2022, but split from the Italian hunk earlier this year
EKIN-SU CULCULOGLU (FORMER LOVE ISLAND WINNER)
Ekin-Su Culculoglu has also signed up for the upcoming series of Celebrity Big Brother and was seen embracing friends outside her Watford hotel over the weekend.
The reality star, 29, won Love Island with her ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti in 2022, but split from the Italian hunk earlier this year.
Actress Ekin-Su could be in the Celebrity Big Brother house with the likes of Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary Goldsmith, who is said to be in negotiations with TV bosses, according to the Mirror.
The series, which will reportedly have the most ‘dramatic, outrageous’ opening scenes, will air in March.
Media personality Ekin-Su confirmed she had parted ways with Italian businessman Davide, 29, in January.
Taking to her Instagram Story, the former Dancing On Ice contestant wrote: ‘The last 18-months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship.
‘Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other. Unfortunately I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways..
‘Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected. I enjoyed our time together and the memories we made.
‘Thank you for your continued support. It’s been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you’ll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions. Love always, Ekin-Su.’
Celebrity Big Brother have signed controversial reality star David Potts ahead of the new series on Monday
The reality TV veteran appeared on Ibiza Weekender from 2016 until 2020 and has also starred on Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Ghost Trip
DAVID POTTS (IBIZA WEEKENDER STAR)
David Potts was seen arriving at the Watford hotel, where he will stay until Monday evening.
The TV personality, who recently confirmed he had lost a whopping three stone, appeared on Ibiza Weekender from 2016 until 2020 and has also starred on Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Ghost Trip.
A source told The Sun: ‘David’s great TV and doesn’t hold back – he won’t bite his tongue when it comes to giving his opinion in the house.’
A self-confessed fan of the show, David last appeared on screens as a guest on Big Brother’s sister show Late & Live as he gave his views on antics in the rebooted civilian version of the show.
Sharing snaps at the time, David said: ‘Had such a stunning time on @bbuk late & live last night spilling all the t with these absolute huns! Thanks for having me @itvxofficial.’
He recently revealed his latest weight loss achievement as he told fans he had officially shed three stone.
He wrote: ‘Another stone bites the dust officially 3 stone down ahhhhh! Just another 7 to go SLAY!
‘For a few weeks I’ve been 2lbs off and it’s not been shifting, but it’s GONE! The journey continues huns.
‘For everyone wanting to know how I’ve done it. I’m no dietitian or PT, but I try and go to the gym 6 days a week and eat 1700 calories! Then one day I do zero exercise and eat whatever the F I want! It seems to be working for me.’
Social media star Zeze Mills – real name Zalika Miller – is expected to be relied upon for some dramatic clashes
ZEZE MILLS (YOUTUBE VLOGGER)
Social media star Zeze Mills, 35 – real name Zalika Miller – is expected to be relied upon for some dramatic clashes, as her show bio reads: ‘If we can get them in a room with Zeze… It’s gloves off.’
The YouTuber, described as a ‘cultural commentator,’ was also spotted in Watford over the weekend, ahead of her entrance in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
A source told The Sun: ‘Zeze is an inspired piece of casting for Celebrity Big Brother. Her entire career is built on sharing opinions and not being afraid to speak up for others or on issues even if it means ruffling feathers.
‘She’s the kind of character that’s at the very heart of Big Brother – the series needs bold voices like hers.
‘Zeze also brings with her a huge online audience of younger viewers, which is so essential for TV bosses.
‘ITV saw how casting another YouTuber and TikToker, Nella Rose, for I’m A Celebrity last year brought a whole new audience to primetime TV so saw it as essential to build on that.’
AND HERE’S WHO COULD BE GOING IN…
Celebrity Big Brother has reportedly signed former X Factor judge Louis Walsh in a huge six-figure deal (pictured in 2017)
The iconic reality show returns for a brand new reboot on ITV2 next month and bosses hope Louis will share secrets from his career while in the house (L-R:Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis on The X Factor in 2008)
LOUIS WALSH (FORMER X FACTOR JUDGE)
Celebrity Big Brother has reportedly signed former X Factor judge Louis Walsh in a huge six-figure deal.
It is claimed bosses hope Louis will share secrets from his career while in the house.
However according to The Sun there are some famous faces that are nervous about how honest the TV legend could be in front of the cameras.
As well as a panellist on The X Factor from 2004 to 2017, Louis has also worked with the likes of Westlife, Boyzone and Girls Aloud.
A source told the publication: ‘[Louis] is one of the most intriguing signings for Celebrity Big Brother because he has almost half a century of experience in showbusiness to recall when he enters the house.
‘Viewers will be most interested in his memories of his time on The X Factor and working with huge music acts including Westlife and Boyzone.
‘But there may be a few celebrities outside the house who are feeling nervous about what he might say, because Louis is notoriously outspoken.’
ITV told MailOnline: ‘Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.’
Louis’ representatives have also been approached for comment.
Celebrity Big Brother bosses have reportedly lined up Sharon Osbourne as a housemate for the upcoming series (pictured last month)
Sharon and Louis became known for their bond and amusing interactions during auditions on The X Factor, with a reunion on Celebrity Big Brother being their first on screen in seven years (L-R: Simon Cowell, Sharon and Louis seen on The X Factor in 2005)
SHARON OSBOURNE (FORMER X FACTOR JUDGE)
Celebrity Big Brother bosses have reportedly lined up Sharon Osbourne as a housemate for the upcoming series.
The reality TV juggernaut is set to return to ITV on March 4 and former The X Factor judge Sharon, 71, could be set to appear.
Her friend and fellow former X Factor panellist Louis Walsh, 71, has also been named as a potential housemate.
Music manager Sharon appeared on the first four series of The X Factor from 2004 to 2007, the 10th series in 2013, and the 13th and 14th series from 2016 to 2017, with Louis starring alongside her.
The pair became known for their bond and amusing interactions during auditions on The X Factor, with a reunion on Celebrity Big Brother being their first on screen in seven years.
A TV source told The Sun: ‘Landing Sharon is a huge coup for the series, especially as she has such a strong on-screen partnership with Louis.
‘She isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind and has a wealth of showbiz stories up her sleeves.
‘She is guaranteed entertainment and sure to be a hit with viewers.’
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Any names suggested for CBB are just speculation.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Sharon for comment.
Love Island legend Chloe Burrows is ‘in talks to appear on Celebrity Big Brother , according to reports (pictured in September last year)
CHLOE BURROWS (FORMER LOVE ISLAND CONTESTANT)
Love Island legend Chloe Burrows is ‘in talks to appear on Celebrity Big Brother, according to reports.
An insider told The Sun last month: ‘Everyone is desperate to see Chloe Burrows head into the Love Island All Stars villa and shake things up with her ex, Toby Aromolaran, but she’s actually been in talks to star in another big ITV reality show instead.
‘She’s had meetings with Celebrity Big Brother producers, who are keen to sign up a Love Islander and think Chloe would fit the bill perfectly.
‘She’s sassy, outspoken and she’s single, so she could potentially enjoy a romance in the house too. Nothing has been signed yet, but the talks have been promising and Chloe is keen.’
MailOnline contacted Chloe’s representatives for a comment.
Fuelling speculation further, Chloe teased fans last month that ‘big things are coming’, when she was asked of any future TV appearances.
Sarah Jayne Dunn, 42, who is known for her role as Mandy Richardson on Hollyoaks, is in talks to star on Celebrity Big Brother, according to a new report
According to The Sun, Sarah, who was fired from Hollyoaks due to opening an Only Fans account ‘has a lot to offer’
SARAH JAYNE DUNN (ONLYFANS MODEL AND FORMER HOLLYOAKS ACTRESS)
Actress Sarah Jayne Dunn, 42, who is known for her role as Mandy Richardson on Hollyoaks, is reportedly being eyed up for Celebrity Big Brother.
According to The Sun, Sarah, who was fired from Hollyoaks due to opening an Only Fans account ‘has a lot to offer’.
An insider told the publication: ‘Sarah would be an amazing signing for the show.
‘She’s one of soap’s most recognisable faces and a big personality that fans would really warm to.
‘No-one’s put pen to paper yet but the feeling is that she would have a lot to offer the show and could spill all on her time on Hollyoaks and decision to work on OnlyFans.’
Celebrity Big Brother starts on March 4 on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
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