The 2024 reboot of Celebrity Big Brother is almost here – and among the stars rumoured for the line-up are EastEnders actor Max Bowden, X Factor icon Louis Walsh, and a This Morning icon.
After seven years off-air, ITV confirmed in November that the celebrity spin-off will be returning on its flagship channel ITV1, and later revealed the start date is Monday, March 4 – so cancel all your plans that evening.
The relaunch follows the successful revival of the original show, Big Brother, which gained its biggest viewing figures in more than a decade, with millions tuning in.
While details are being kept under wraps, speculation has been mounting over who exactly could be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house when AJ Odudu and Will Best return as hosts in March.
Over the years, the celebrity version has brought in A-listers from far and wide, including Rylan Clark, Spencer Pratt, Kerry Katona, Shilpa Shetty, Les Dennis and even Michael Barrymore.
Now, let’s take a look at the rumoured Celebrity Big Brother 2024 line-up…
Fern Britton
Britton, 66, and Schofield, 61, co-hosted the popular breakfast show for six years before she was replaced by Holly Willoughby in 2009.
Rumours of a fallout between Britton and Schofield were fuelled after she failed to give any mention to her co-host when thanking the This Morning team at the time of her departure, and Schofield later claimed in his autobiography that the pair had an intense fallout over the show which led to their relationship ‘turning sour.’
A source told The Mirror that Britton is looking to show the public ‘a different side to her’ that is ‘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,’ the insider continued.
‘They don’t speak anymore so there are no bridges to burn as far as she is concerned.’
Jordan North
Rumours have been swirling after the much-loved presenter, 34, announced he was leaving BBC Radio 1 in shock news.
Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing is set to replace him, which has caused many fans to blast the BBC with accusations of ‘classism’ – while Jordan is now set to join Capital Breakfast.
But Vick, who Jordan hosted the drivetime show with, appears to have revealed what’s next for Jordan – Celebrity Big Brother.
Commenting on his exit post on Saturday, Vick wrote: ‘Christ I’ll miss you so much Jord, what a radio legend and sweet sweet love.’
She then added: ‘Will be voting for you every night on CBB!!’
While we’re not entirely sure whether she was joking, Jordan replied with a laughing face and heart emojis.
Gary Goldsmith
Yes, Kate Middleton’s uncle is said to have signed a big money deal with ITV for Celebrity Big Brother 2024.
‘Gary is champing at the bit to get on Celebrity Big Brother,’ a source said.
They added to The Sun: ‘He finalised the terms of his deal today and can’t wait to enter the house.’
It’s believed Gary, 58, was in talks for a while in a highly controversial signing.
The source added: ‘The CBB team loves him because of his link to Kate and the fact that he’s confident and loud and won’t hold back.’
Gary has reportedly ‘made it clear he will talk about everything and anything’ and is ‘pretty outspoken’ when it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The source said: ‘Gary also holds a deep affection for Kate and Wills and will be able to give a fascinating insight into what it’s really like being related to the future King and Queen.
‘He could be TV gold and ITV knows it.’
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Love Island royalty Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu could be joining the cast of CBB 2024.
As per reports, Ekin-Su is in negotiations for a big-money deal.
According to The Mirror, the former Dancing On Ice star will be back on our screens just shortly after her split from boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
Viewers will know and love Ekin-Su from the likes of Dancing On Ice and The Traitors US, as well as her major brand deals shared with her millions of followers online.
She was famous for cooking up drama in the villa, so we can only imagine what might happen if she ends up in the CBB house…
Levi Roots
Levi Roots is reportedly a fully signed up future Celebrity Big Brother housemate with claims he has already negotiated his contract.
The entrepreneur first shot to fame in 2007 when he successfully persuaded Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh to invest in his business on Dragons’ Den.
Now his delicious BBQ condiment Reggae Reggae Sauce is a firm favourite with the nation and he has also written cookbooks, opened restaurants, and featured on other TV shows including Celebrity Mastermind.
Levi has even appeared on Big Brother as a surprise celebrity guest back in 2013, where he cooked a Caribbean barbecue for the housemates.
A source told The Mirror: ‘Levi will be great for the Celebrity Big Brother house. He’s got a few exciting projects coming up and he’s such a fun character.
Louis Walsh
The 71-year-old was once a key ingredient to our Saturday nights as a judge on the once-popular singing contest, and could become a TV staple once more.
‘Louis is just the kind of figure they want in the house — someone with serious life experience who not only has something to say, but isn’t afraid to say it,’ a TV insider told The Sun.
‘These characters have delivered some of the most outstanding moments of Celebrity Big Brother in the past and they’ll want to produce those again. That means they may need to splash some cash to secure the people they have their eye on — but it’s a worthwhile investment.’
Celebrity Big Brother winner, and former X Factor hopeful Rylan reacted to the rumours on This Morning and said: ‘As a friend of Louis Walsh, I’d be like: “Don’t do it!” but as a viewer, I think: “You’d be great in there!”
‘It’s like that split decision of what can I say to him? But I think he would be a great housemate!’
Especially if he’s reunited with…
Sharon Osbourne
It will either be the best or worst idea Celebrity Big Brother bosses have come up with but according to reports, Sharon Osbourne will be reuniting with her fellow X Factor judge Louis in the CBB house.
‘Landing Sharon is a huge coup for the series, especially as she has such a strong on-screen partnership with Louis,’ a TV source has said.
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,’ they told The Sun.
Max Bowden
Last month, it was confirmed Max, who plays Ben Mitchell, would be leaving EastEnders after four years.
Now he won’t be hanging around Albert Square, it leaves a nice gap in the 28-year-old’s diary to perhaps turn his hand to reality TV.
The sixth person to play Ben (yep, we’ve had six actors playing the same character) has got fans in his corner.
‘Let the battle for a spot on Celebrity Big Brother begin!” wrote X, formerly Twitter user Bratty Barb. Alongside the words were four photos of EastEnders who have recently left, or will be leaving – Max, Shona McGarty, Lorraine Stanley, and Danny Walters.
‘Max would be great,’ added user Lil Miss Shortie.
TV blogger Elliot Gonzalez posted: ‘Max Bowden for Celebrity Big Brother then?’
Bimini Bon Boulash
Bimini Bon Boulash is reportedly one of four RuPaul’s Drag Race stars being considered for Big Brother.
The 30-year-old was a fan favourite in the second series and finished as runner-up behind Lawrence Chaney.
If they’re selected then we do hope one task involves Bimini, real name Thomas George Graeme Hibbitts, bringing back her Katie Price impression which she pulled out for the Snatch Game in 2020.
Baga Chipz
As we noted – Bimini isn’t the only RuPaul’s Drag Race star being considered, claims The Sun.
The publication reports that three more are being considered including OG star Baga Chipz, real name Leo Loren.
No stranger to TV, Baga, 30, has also appeared on Celebrity Masterchef, Celebrity Karaoke Club, and Ackley Bridge.
Blu Hydrangea
Could Blu Hydrangea become a double winner? They already took the top spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World in 2022, but the Big Brother crown (metaphorical this time) could be on their vision board.
The 27-year-old Belfast queen, real name Joshua Cargill, is currently competing on the Irish version of Strictly Come Dancing – Dancing With The Stars Ireland – so they wouldn’t have much time to rest before packing their suitcase.
Tayce
Finally, we have Tayce who also appeared on series two in 2020, and made it to the final alongside Bimini and Lawrence.
They certainly have ‘the cheek, the nerve, the gall, the audacity and the gumption’ to go all the way this time.
Chloe Brockett
Despite only being 23, Chloe Brockett has already been on our TVs for five years.
Recruited as a teenager for The Only Way Is Essex, viewers have seen her go toe-to-toe with everyone from Olivia Attwood to Amber Turner, and her feisty personality could be ideal for a few Big Brother barneys.
‘Chloe Brockett is in talks to appear on the show – nothing is signed yet but she’s really excited and can’t stop telling people,’ a source told The Sun.
‘ITV already know Chloe is great TV.’
Shirley Ballas
We’re more accustomed to seeing Shirley Ballas sitting behind a desk on Strictly Come Dancing, but she could be putting on dance lessons in the Big Brother house soon.
‘The only thing holding Shirley back is the BBC’s position on her taking the job as she wants to keep everyone happy,’ a source told The Sun.
‘ITV think Shirley would be a sensational signing and they’re keen to get her on board. She is confident, outspoken and would make brilliant television.’
The 63-year-old was recently revealed as the Rat on Masked Singer, but will she be unveiled on launch night?
Katie Price
Katie Price has teased a return to Celebrity Big Brother, after winning the series back in 2015.
The OnlyFans star, 45, emerged victorious after joining the house as a latecomer on day 10, beating runners-up Katie Hopkins and Calum Best.
The former glamour model sent tongues wagging when, shortly after ITV confirmed the Celebrity Big Brother reboot, she posted a cryptic message on Instagram.
Katie reposted the official announcement on her Stories and added several eye emojis.
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
But it appears, like Katie, they’re keen for more, a decade after they entered the house.
Adding fuel to the fire, Spencer, 40, reshared a fan’s post on X, which read: ‘Omg I wonder if Speidi will get asked for CBB 2024?!’
Phillip Schofield
A source told The Sun: ‘Celebrity Big Brother is coming back and ITV want massive names to kick it off.
‘CBB is the perfect place for stars who are riding off the wave of a scandal, or something big happening in their lives.
‘Phillip Schofield is someone they’re going to approach.’
Joey Essex
They are reportedly hoping to cast the reality star, 33, after previous attempts when the show was on Channel 5 fell threw.
A source told The Sun: ‘Joey is hugely popular with the top brass at ITV and they think he would be TV gold on Celeb Big Brother.
‘He’s hilarious, very likeable, and likely to become one of the favourites to win.’
Linda Robson
Take it from the 65-year-old actress herself, who told the Daily Star she ‘would be up for’ an appearance on the reality show.
She said: ‘I would be up for it. I like getting away from the house. I don’t like being stuck in so anything to get me out of the house, any holidays.
‘As I’m getting older, I’m 65 now, I don’t want to say no to anything and try different things now.’
Jennifer Arcuri
ITV is reportedly looking for at ‘least one or maybe two big names to set the series alight’ and is said to believe Jennifer Arcuri, 38, could be the answer.
The US businesswoman, 38, claimed she had an ‘intimate’ four-year affair with Boris Johnson while he was Mayor of London.
Arcuri claimed she was in a relationship with the former prime minister between 2012 to 2016, while he was married to now ex-wife and lawyer Marina Wheeler, with whom he shares two sons and two daughters.
A source told The Sun: ‘[Producers will approach] people like Jennifer Arcuri, who had an alleged fling with Boris.
‘They have a lot of cash to splash, just under £2million.’
Matt Evers
Dancing On Ice legend Matt Evers is rumoured to be close to signing up for Celebrity Big Brother, after shockingly quitting the skating competition after 17 years.
A source told The Sun: ‘Matt was a huge name on Dancing On Ice, and already knows a lot of the team at ITV so they know he’d make good TV.
‘He’s really fun and has loads of celeb mates – he’d be a great housemate so everyone has their fingers crossed he’ll sign up.’
Gyles Brandreth
This Morning star Gyles Brandreth has previously revealed he has been asked to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.
The presenter and author, who has been a close friend of the Royals, in particular Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, said he previously turned down the reality show but may reconsider.
‘Well, I have been asked. Yes I have been asked, but I say no to these things,’ he said on This Morning.
Faryal Makhdoom
Boxer Amir Khan’s wife Faryal Makhdoom is also reported to have originally signed up for the reality series too, though later claimed she had been dropped from the line-up due to her views on Palestine.
The 32-year-old influencer and reality TV star was said to be keen to change public perception of her after forgiving her husband following their marriage being rocked by cheating rumours last year.
‘Faryal is a huge signing for Celebrity Big Brother. She’s had her ups and downs with Amir but wants to step into the limelight in her own right. Faryal has said she wants to show she’s not a doormat that he walks all over,’ a source told The Sun.
‘She is fiery and feisty and will make a brilliant housemate.’
However, Faryal later claimed Celebrity Big Brother snubbed her 10 days before she was due to go into the show.
In a video shared on Instagram, she said: ‘It seems my social media activity and being pro-Palestine is not appropriate for ITV and its sponsors.
‘Mind you, ITV and this particular show, has had many controversial people on it before. But, for some reason, I was singled out.’
Metro.co.uk understands that the casting decision for Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are made by Initial, which is part of the Banijay Group; it’s understood Initial disputes a number of the claims in the video.
A spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘We meet numerous prospective housemates when casting for Celebrity Big Brother, however the final line up is not confirmed until closer to transmission.
‘As per our welfare protocols, we are unable to comment on the casting process for individual prospective Housemates, other than to say that suitability to participate is determined by a number of factors.’
Metro.co.uk contacted ITV for comment, and a Big Brother spokesperson said: ‘Any names for Celebrity Big Brother are purely speculation.’
Celebrity Big Brother airs at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on March 4.
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