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Big Brother 2017 suffered a massive blow to their ratings and rumours have swirled that the reality programme could be facing the axe.

But instead of pulling the plug on the show – which launched in 2000 – Channel 5 are warming up for its longest series ever.

A source exclusively revealed to Daily Star Online that Big Brother 2018 will run for a mammoth 14 weeks.

And that's not all, after a shake-up of their casting team, Big Brother will introduce a better mix of "real" housemates.

Freddie Bentley, 20, is the first contestant on that list – and he's sure to bring the drama.

The trampoline park team leader – who used to be under the same management as EastEnders' Danniella Westbrook – has reportedly signed his contract after attending the first audition in January.

(Image: INSTAGRAM/FREDDIEBBENTLEY)

Freddie will go into hiding in July ahead of the series launch, which is rumoured to kick off in August or September.

He originally was asked to audition with his aunt, but producers are believed to have dropped Freddie's relative, causing friction in his family.

"He has a very big personality," a source exclusively revealed to us.

(Image: JAN PHOTOGRAPHY)

"If he was to walk into a room, everyone would notice he has arrived.

"When it comes to loyalty he's extremely grounded. And being that loud person is who he is he enjoys having all eyes on him."

However, Freddie might rub his housemates up the wrong way, as he doesn't shy away from confrontation.

"He doesn't talk crap so when it comes down to a housemate, whatever he says behind their back he'd happily say to their face," our source added.

(Image: WENN)

"He's not fake, being real is what truly makes him a perfect housemate."

Freddie – who is currently single – won't be looking for Mr Right in the house though, his eyes are firmly on the prize money and carving out a career in the spotlight.

"He falls in love easily but he's not going to fake it just for a TV show," the source added.

"He might have a couple glasses of rosé and have a cheeky kiss with a guy."

(Image: INSTAGRAM/FREDDIEBBENTLEY)

Freddie is reportedly so confident he could win the public over, he's already planned what he's doing with his winnings.

The source continued: "He's definitely in this to win this. Everyone that enters Big Brother is there to play a game, even if that means you're being yourself, you've entered to win!

"Freddie would definitely try to invest the money in to a business and get his teeth done – he absolutely loves the veneer look."