Get all the jungle gossip with our regular email newsletter Yes please! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Celebrity Big Brother is so close we feel like it's the build-up to Christmas all over again.

It's almost time for a new group of stars to enter the house in search of a career boost by potentially winning the Channel 5 contest.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Along with the usual big names rumoured every year, there have also been some more realistic stars lined up for their spot in the limelight.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Rumoured contestant Josie Cunningham may have hit out at the show for featuring "washed up 90's acts clutching onto fame", but host Rylan Clark has promised a "very, very strong line-up" this year - and insisted there will be fewer reality TV stars than in previous years.

He told Metro.co.uk: "We've got a very, very strong line-up ...We're trying to steer away from reality stars but there may be one.

"Maybe not one that's very well known, it's not your usual line-up!"

Find out everything you need to know about this year's CBB by reading on...

Who's going into the house this time?

We won't know officially until the launch show - but there are some strong rumours out there already, and here they are. We've rounded up nine celebs who are rumoured to be following in the footsteps of the likes of Charlotte Crosby, Les Dennis, Mark Owen and Jack Dee - as well as all the latest detail on the house itself.

Check out our list of everything you need to know about the house and its potential contestants...

Stephen Belafonte

(Image: Filmmagic)

Producers are said to be keen to sign up Mel B's other half after rifts in their marriage were reported.

Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge said: “Stephen’s the hottest ticket in town at the moment. And if he ‘fesses up about his split with Mel it’s sure to see ratings rocket.

“It’s going to be hard to turn his public perception around but plenty of bad boys have won in the past, such as Gary Busey and Paddy Doherty.”

Cami Li

Celebrity Big Brother is about to get a whole lot steamier with American model Cami Li reportedly set for the house.

The raunchy babe was previously engaged to Kirk Nocross, and she could make this year's series the sexiest ever.

After making headlines in 2013 for her whirlwind romance with the TOWIE star, the 27-year-old model is in talks to show off her love of latex outfits and body art to our screens later this month, according to the Daily Star.

Marcus Collins

(Image: YouTube)

Marcus Collins is in talks to star in Celebrity Big Brother.

The former X Factor contestant - who was runner-up to Little Mix in 2011 - is in last-minute negotiations to appear on the programme which returns to TV next week.

Channel 5 bosses are said to be keen to land Marcus so he can share gossip about both the talent show and its rival Strictly Come Dancing, on which his boyfriend Robin Windsor is one of the professional dancers.

Jeremy Jackson

Jeremy Jackson has signed up for CBB, according to a report.

The former Baywatch star - who played David Hasselhoff's character Mitch Buchannan's son Hobie in the iconic lifeguard series - has signed a £100,000 deal to star on the upcoming series of the Channel 5 reality TV show.

The 34-year-old actor is renowned for his troubled personal life after he was arrested in 2000 for manufacturing methamphetamines.

Kavana

One of Mel B's closest pals has signed up to CBB, according to a report.

CBB bosses are said to have signed up pop sensation Kavana for the new series and the 90's star could reveal what has been happening with his close friend.

Celebrity Big Brother - which starts in January - could be a huge talking point if all goes to plan, as Mel's troubles have been heavily reported of late.

Does Kavana know the ins-and-outs of their relationship? Daily Star also report that fellow celebs lined up to appear are all waiting for the moment to grill the singer about Mel's past.

Chloe Goodman

Feisty model and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini double Chloe Goodman is set to appear in the new series of Celebrity Big Brother, according to a report.

Chloe starred in MTV’s Ex On The Beach and was at the centre of one of the series' biggest bust-ups.

The raunchy model, 21, is reported to be the contestant who will be bringing the sex appeal to the house, and it's been suggested that she is 'single and ready to mingle'.

Chloe, was a body double for X Factor judge Cheryl, in her L’Oreal TV adverts.

Daily Star also report that Channel 5 bosses want her in the house to drive the boys wild.

Goodman once shared a screen with Sugababe Amelle Berrabah in a film called Plastic - where she had a cheeky lesbian snog (see snippet in trailer below).

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Danielle Brown

(Image: WENN / PA)

Mel B's sister is reportedly being lined up to appear in Celebrity Big Brother.

The X Factor judge's estranged sister Danielle Brown is being lined up for the new series of the Channel 5 reality show alongside Mel's husband Stephen Belafonte.

Producers are now said to be desperate for the film producer to appear in the reality show to set the record straight, while clashing with his wife's estranged sister Danielle Brown.

A source revealed: "Danielle has been in the frame for Celebrity Big Brother before but it didn't come off.

"Now bosses are after her again. If they landed both her and Stephen, the ratings would go nuclear."

Danielle hasn't spoken to her former Spice Girls star sister for four years since criticising her choice of husband, but admitted in 2012 she would like to reconcile with her sibling.

Linda Evans

Channel 5 bosses have apparently blown their budget to secure Dynasty icon Linda Evans on CBB.

She's reportedly signed a contract for £500,000 which includes first-class travel and five-star hotels before Linda, 72, heads into the Hertfordshire house.

The US actress is best known for playing blonde bombshell Krystle Carrington in the American drama from 1981 to 1989.

Perez Hilton

(Image: REX)

Gossip blogger Perez Hilton would be a killer addition to the show.

The gossip blogger is friends (and enemies) with the likes of Paris Hilton (who he named himself after), Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie, so he could really spill the beans.

He’s signed a contract worth £150,000 and will enter the house in January, reports The Sun.

Keith Chegwin

(Image: Getty)

The 57-year-old TV presenter, who is perhaps best known for his appearances on the Big Breakfast, has starred on reality TV shows in the past, including 'Dancing On Ice' in 2013, and is set to enter the house alongside the likes of Calum Best.

An insider at Channel 5 explained why TV bosses were keen to have him appear on the show, telling The Sun newspaper: "CBB bosses hope Keith will bring a lot of fun to the show.

Danniella Westbrook

(Image: ITV)

Troubled EastEnders star Daniella, 41, is could be set to go into the house after revealing that she's homeless after a cocaine relapse.

A source told the Daily Star: "Danniella sees Celebrity Big Brother as her only option now."

Having walked from the I'm A Celebrity jungle in 2003, Danniella might find the show hard - but the cash on offer will be a huge incentive to the broke actress.

The Wealdstone Raider

(Image: SWNS)

Internet and football terrace star, the Wealdstone Raider, is in talks to appear on Celebrity Big Brother in January, according to a report.

The small football fan - real name Gordon Hill - hit fame and online notoriety after a Wealdstone FC football chant went viral.

According to reports Channel 5 bosses are in talks with outspoken Gordon and the show could tap into his online following to get even more coverage.

Patsy Kensit

(Image: Getty)

Channel 5 bosses are said to be 'desperate' to get the 46-year-old actress involved.

According to reports, they've even offered the blonde a substantial pay packet for her to sign on the dotted line.

However, Patsy has previously claimed she would be unwilling to participate in any reality TV shows apart from BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, as she is a huge fan of the series.

Katie Hopkins

Can you imagine what the former Apprentice star and her acid tongue could do in the CBB house? And can you imagine her starting a row with Danniella Westbrook?

It doesn't bear thinking about.

However it might just become a reality after the Twitter personality was rumoured to have been offered a record fee to take part - even more than the £400,000 Kellie Maloney is thought to have earned for the last series.

Calum Best

(Image: Twitter)

The 33-year-old wouldn't be totally out of place in the CBB house after making his way around the reality TV circuit during his career.

The playboy son of footy legend George Best has previously appeared on the likes of Celebrity Love Island, Come Dine With Me, Totally Calum Best and ITV2's Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan.

Channel 5 bosses are expecting to lock him in with a £50,000 deal and hope that he'll spill the gossip on his numerous celebrity liaisons while the cameras are rolling.

Michelle Visage

The Drag Race judge, and RuPaul's best mate, has allegedly sealed a deal to appear on CBB.

The 46-year-old has earned a rep as Ms Nasty on American TV for her cutting remarks on auditioning wannabes.

She's also a fan of the UK reality show and apparently backed Nikki Grahame to win way back in 2006.

Austin Armacost

(Image: Twitter @austinarmacost)

No series would be complete without a bit of muscle - something CBB bosses hope the US reality TV star can provide.

The hunk has reportedly been in the running for the show for quite some time after meeting with producers in London.

Most famous for being an ex-boyfriend of fashion designer Mark Jacobs, Austin also featured on The A-List, an LGBT-focused reality show.

Jake Quickenden

(Image: Rex)

He may only be fresh out the jungle, but that hasn't stopped bookies at tipping the singer to enter the CBB house.

After his stint on I'm A Celeb and the X Factor, it's quite possible that the 26-year-old could make it a reality TV trifecta.

Well the bookmakers seem confident and are already dishing out odds of 4/1 for him to WIN.

Chloe Jasmine

(Image: Wenn)

Channel 5 has a history of putting former X Factor contestants into the house, such as Rylan Clark.

However they reportedly set their sights on the blonde early and are keen to nudge her through the door.

While it's believe that Chloe has already turned down an offer, it's possible that CBB bosses might just be able to twist her arm before the launch.

Josie Cunningham

(Image: Jess Wilson / Daily Mirror)

Back in July the wannabe glamour model announced that she'd been approached with an offer of £100,000 to join the show.

However, feeling that she'd been low-balled, the NHS boob scrounger decided to hold out for another £50,000.

Could bosses have met her demands this time around?

What date is the show back?

The official start date has been announced as January 7 (put that in your diary) which. And this year we could be in for even more drama after producers announced that the show would be extended from 21 days to 35 days.

That's 35 days of celebrity DRAMA.

Please can we see the new Celebrity Big Brother eye?

(Image: Channel 5)

Yes, you can, and here it is. It looks pretty sinister, and is in keeping with the all-new twisted fairytale theme of the house. Check out out the thorns and dark clouds within the eye - the celebs won't want to be messing with Big Brother this time around.

What's the new house going to be like?

(Image: PA)

Check out these photos of the house - which has a "dark fairytale" theme.

There are plants for lights, rabbits for lamps, clouds for walls and a giant fairy queen's mirror asking: "Who in this land is the fairest of all?" Answers on a post-card please.

The living room has been transformed into a room fit for a queen with plush red carpets, sumptuous velvet sofas and a dining table straight out of Alice in Wonderland.

If the cameras weren't quite enough to remind the housemates they're under constant surveillance, menacing giant birds will watch over the sleeping celebrities in the woodland-themed bedroom.

(Image: PA)

The bathroom continues the woodland theme but adds in the look of an Ancient Greek bathhouse complete with gold sofa and black over-sized bathtub.

The garden's hot tub pit has been transformed into a magical watering hole with furs and cushions to keep the celebrities warm on the cold January nights.

Emma Willis said: "I'd describe it as a dark fairytale theme. My favourite movie of late is Maleficent and it’s totally like that."

CBB bosses warn that the celebrities could be about to walk into their own living nightmare and that they should expect the unexpected "as there will be secrets, twists and surprises around each corner".

What else do we need to know?

Emma Willis is set to return as the show's host, and she will be joined by Rylan Clark and Luissa Zissman for Celebrity Big Brother's bit on the side.

* Celebrity Big Brother will air on Wednesday 7 January at 9pm on Channel 5

Like this? Did you know we have a dedicated TV and Film page on Facebook?