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Bosses at Channel 4 are plotting to bring back Celebrity Big Brother – featuring controversial stars desperate to rebuild their image.

They have had top-­secret talks with production firm Endemol about a possible return to our screens.

In a twist to the format it is set to be tagged “Reborn”, as it will feature celebs who have been through turbulent times and want to change their public perception.

A TV insider said: “In recent months Channel 4’s suffered a ratings crisis.

“A lot of shows are being beaten by rival networks ­including Channel 5. The top brass have decided it is time to get Celebrity Big Brother back to give them a boost.

“Discussions with Endemol have been happening since before Christmas. And now Channel 4 execs are starting to plan budgets.”

(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

The plans are so secret staff are ­using a code name for the show in texts and emails. If a deal is struck, they plan to air the new series next January.

Our source added: “Producers want to feature controversial stars who have bad reputations. They plan to give the series the tagline of Reborn because it will be a chance for the celebs to be just that…reborn with a new public image.

“Potential names are already being ­discussed and they’re working out how much they would be likely to cost.”

CBB first aired on Channel 4 between 2001 and 2010 with Davina McCall, left, as host. It then switched to Channel 5 before being axed in 2018.

(Image: Channel 4)

Memorable moments included politician George Galloway pretending to be a cat in a role play with Rula Lenska.

Davina previously predicted CBB would return. She said: “I feel like it could definitely come back in three or four years and slightly different, maybe with a slightly sort of tweaked, more modern format.”

Last year Channel 4 boss Ian Katz said he was open to bringing it back.

He added: “I’d keep an open mind about pretty much any format. One of the things we’ve learned in the last few years is how

effectively almost any historic format can be rebooted in really interesting, creative ways.”

When contacted for comment by Daily Star, a Channel 4 spokesman today insisted the show would not be returning.

He said: "We have no plans to bring back Celebrity Big Brother or Big Brother to Channel 4."