CELEBRITY Big Brother is back and bosses have splashed the cash to attract some huge famous names.
There’s something for everyone this year as the popular reality show returns for the first time in six years.
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Twelve celebrities signed up for the first CBB in six yearsCredit: X/@BBUK
Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island are also represented, while entertainment stars from This Morning and The X Factor have put pen to paper – as well as a Netflix superstar and a stage legend.
Insiders told The Sun that ITV went to great lengths to keep names under wraps – even bringing back the famous Big Brother live show to surprise fans with famous faces.
But our insiders have told us the full line-up and here we can reveal the 12 famous names that will be beamed into our living rooms six days a week starting Monday…
Nikita Kuzmin
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Strictly’s Nikita could be the pin-up of the rebooted seriesCredit: BBC
Strictly Come Dancing heartthrob Nikita is swapping the ballroom for the Big Brother house.
The signing of the Ukrainian dancer is surprising given his close ties with rival broadcaster BBC.
However, it’s the perfect time for him to try new things since he’s mostly in the off-season, which also paves the way for his return to the program later in the year.
The 26-year-old has proved a popular addition to the dance franchise since she arrived three years ago.
Last year he teamed up with West End star Layton Williams and the pair mesmerized viewers en route to the final.
ITV will be hoping that Nikita’s popularity will attract at least some of Strictly’s legions of fans.
Celebrity Big Brother is lining up BBC star Nikita Kuzmin for a new series
David Potts
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Reality TV star David lost three stone before his entranceCredit: Alpha Press
Ibiza Weekender star David, 30, is no stranger to the reality TV circuit and has a bold personality that can provide fun and drama in the house.
He will be in the best possible shape for his time in the house after losing an impressive three stone.
David recently shared his weight loss secrets, telling fans: “For anyone who wants to know how I did it. I’m not a dietitian or a PT but I try to go to the gym 6 days a week and eat 1700 calories! Then one day I don’t exercise at all and eat whatever whatever FI wants! It seems to work for me.”
Last year the former holiday rep starred in The Big Celebrity Detox alongside Love Island’s Kerry Katon and Toby Aromolaran.
His other television credits include Celebs Go Dating, Celebs on the Farm, Celebrity Karaoke Club and Celebrity Ghost Trip.
Bradley Riches
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Netflix star Bradley Riches shot to fame in global hit Heartstopper Credit: 2024 Dave Bennett
Heartstopper actor Bradley is a big draw for the series given the success of the Netflix coming-of-age drama.
He is the perfect addition to appeal to the Gen Z audience who were touched by Bradley’s character James McEwan as he navigated life and love.
The 24-year-old, who is both openly gay and autistic, is hoping that applying to the show will help him get exposure.
A source told The Sun: “Brad really wants to fly the flag for autistic, queer people on a big mainstream show like Celebrity Big Brother.
“He was diagnosed with autism when he was nine years old and is passionate about being an advocate for his community.
“He wants to show the world that being neurodiverse isn’t something that holds you back, it’s a superpower.”
Zeze Mills
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Zeze Millz is a big name in the social media world Credit: Steve Bell
Social network star and cultural commentator Zeze (34) will certainly say what he thinks in the Big Brother house.
Known for her no-holds-barred interview style, she often brings out the best in her subjects.
Her Zeze Millz Show bio even reads, “If we can get them in the room with Zeze… The gloves are off.”
Past guests on the show include Akon, N-Dubz and Fireboy DML.
Zeze’s has also had plenty of crossover with mainstream TV, having appeared on Good Morning Britain, E4’s Celebrity Cooking School and The Victoria Derbyshire Show on the BBC.
Marisha Wallace
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Stage legend Marisha knows how to deliver a first class performance Credit: Alamy
It wouldn’t be CBB without a great American personality on the show.
Actress Marisha, 38, fits the bill perfectly and has star power galore.
She earned her stripes in the Broadway shows Aladdin and Something Rotten before becoming the alternate lead of Effie White in Dreamgirls, following in the footsteps of Glee star Amber Riley.
Album releases and performances in Hairspray and Waitress on the West End followed.
And in 2022, Marisha received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma!.
Colson Smith
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Colson Smith is set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house Credits: Rex
Colson Smith is an actor best known for his role in Coronation Street.
The 25-year-old plays police officer Craig Tinker in the ITV soap.
He had long talks with ITV bosses about joining this year’s CBB line-up and now they have their man.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “Big Brother producers have been in talks with Colson for months and it looks like it’s done.
“They are delighted that he wants to enter the most famous house in the country because he is a big name who is already loved by millions of viewers and they were adamant about securing someone from Corrie as it is a great cross-promotion for ITV.
“Colson’s character Craig is a huge fan favorite of the soap and is just as lovable 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 makings of a Celeb BB champion.”
Fern Britton
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This morning legend Fern Britton signed up for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: Rex Features
The Sun revealed that Fern is set to enter Celebrity Big Brother and she has vowed to end her rift with Phillip Schofield.
She hosted This Morning for six years alongside Phil, 61, before being replaced by Holly Willoughby in 2009.
Insiders told The Sun that Fern, 66, wanted to change the public’s perception of her.
They said: “She wants to show the public another side of her — unscripted and unapologetic.
“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’re not on speaking terms anymore so there’s no bridges to burn as far as she’s concerned.”
Louis Walsh
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Louis Walsh became a household name from The X Factor Credit: Getty
Louis, who has been a panelist on ITV’s X Factor for more than a decade, bagged a whopping six-figure deal to enter the CBB house.
He had previously ruled out taking part and said he was focused on his work with boy band Westlife, but it was just a ruse to throw people off the scent.
A close associate of Irishman Louis, who has also fronted a string of high-profile music acts over the years, told us: “He is one of the most intriguing signings for Celebrity Big Brother as he has almost half a century of show business experience to look back on when he enters the house.
“Viewers will be most interested in his memories of his time on The X Factor and working with big names including Westlife and Boyzone.
“But there may be a few celebrities outside the house who are nervous about what he might say, as Louis is notoriously outspoken.”
Lauren Simon
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Lauren Simon shot to fame on The Real Housewives of Cheshire Credit: Getty
Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren was revealed as one of the show’s signings last month.
An original cast member of the ITVBe show, Lauren was hospitalized for three weeks last year after her breast surgery went horribly wrong and her nipple almost died.
The 46-year-old, who has been on RHOC since it launched in 2015, opened up about her harrowing ordeal in an interview with The Sun.
This came after she had already gone through a harrowing ordeal as she split from her ex-husband real estate tycoon Paul Simon in 2018, all with the public watching at home.
Gary Goldsmith
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Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary Goldsmith has agreed a hefty deal with ITV Credit: Getty
Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary has agreed a hefty deal with bosses of the ITV show to take part.
The controversial businessman — the brother of Kate’s mum Carole — auditioned for I’m A Celebrity last year but was rejected at the final stage over fears it might embarrass Kate and William.
But a source told us: “The CBB team love him because of his relationship with Kate and the fact that he’s confident and loud and won’t hold back.
“He has made it clear that he will talk about anything and everything, and he is quite open when it comes to Harry and Meghan.
“Gary also has a deep affection for Kate and Wills and will be able to provide a fascinating insight into what it’s really like to be related to the future king and queen.
“He could be TV gold and ITV knows that. The contract he signed is for good money.”
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
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Ekin-Su signed up after her split with Davide Sanclimenti Credits: Splash
Love Island favorite Ekin-Su has signed up just weeks after her split from Davide Sanclimenti.
The Turkish actress, 29, who rose to fame on the ITV2 dating show 2022, recently appeared in the US version of The Traitors.
Now she’s set for her next reality TV stint, and bosses will be hoping for mansion and romance gossip.
With a strong 3.5 million followers on Instagram, Ekin-Su has won the hearts of the nation with her bubbly personality and now hopes to do the same on the celebrity reboot.
It came after her love story with Davide, 29, ended in January, after the pair decided to split after 18 months together.
Levi Roots
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Dragons’ Den star Levi Roots was also snapped Credit: levirootsmusic/instagram
Multimillionaire Dragons’ Den star Levi has also been snapped up.
He has been described as a great addition to the Big Brother house, a “fun character” and an inspiration to a younger generation of viewers.
In a recent interview with The Sun, Levis said: “I couldn’t even say my name when I left Jamaica, so to come to the UK and now run a multi-million pound business is amazing.”
Levi was noticed by a BBC producer for Dragons’ Den in 2007.
He was on a BBC show asking for a £50,000 investment for a 40 per cent stake in his business selling Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce.
This led him to put his jerk barbecue sauce in Sainsbury’s.
The 65-year-old has since become a regular guest on cookery TV shows including the BBC’s Ready Steady Cook.
Sharon Osbourne
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Sharon Osbourne will temporarily reside in the houseCredit: Getty
X Factor legend Sharon, 71, is a surprise bonus for the series.
Bosses wanted the wife of iconic rocker Ozzy Osbourne to be a full-fledged housemate, but they couldn’t afford her huge salaries.
Instead, she will enter the house as a special guest for a week where she will be reunited with her old friend Louis Walsh.
A source said: “Sharon is a house guest and won’t be going to the launch night.
“Instead, she’ll come as soon as the show starts and stay there for a few days.
“The fee she wanted was tempting and in the end they agreed which meant that she would go for shorter distances.
“It’s worked out well for everyone because she’s going to bring some drama when she finally walks through the door.”
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