Celebrity Big Brother 2018: Line-up, start date and everything else you need to know

An all-female bunch of famous faces are heading for the house
Emma Powell2 January 2018

With Strictly, X Factor and I’m A Celebrity all wrapped up, Celebrity Big Brother is gearing up to kick off 2018.

The Channel 5 bungalow will open it’s doors to another group of unsuspecting housemates who will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of last series’ champion Sarah Harding.

Here's everything you need to know:

What is the theme?

The upcoming series will play host to a CBB first by introducing a bunch of all-female housemates to mark 100 years since women won the right to vote before slowly chucking in male celebs.

Channel 5 promises the series will “test their - and our - assumptions, challenge gender stereotypes and reveal fascinating truths about what it is to be a woman - and man - in the 21st century”.

Who is confirmed?

Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel is following in the footsteps of their father Stanley and trying her hand at reality TV. The editor and presenter is the first famous face to be confirmed ahead of the new series.

The show’s official Twitter account announced the news, while Rachel confirmed it in her Mail on Sunday column, writing: “I'm going into the actual Big Brother House. For real. I know. Believe me, I know.

“I am a firm believer that you only regret the things in life you don't do, not the things you do do.”

Who is rumoured?

Katie Hopkins

Hopkins teased fans when she tweeted “TICK TOCK. TICK TOCK” alongside the series launch date earlier this month. If true, it would mark the self-proclaimed motor mouth’s second stint in the famous house after first featuring in 2015.

Rumoured: Motor mouth Katie Hopkins
Channel 5

Elizabeth McKenna

The Apprentice semi-finalist is keen to try her hand at another reality show after proving to be TV gold in Lord Sugar’s boardroom. Speaking to Digital Spy about the possibility of joining she said: “I would consider it. I’m a huge fan of Celebrity Big Brother and it’s flattering to be thought of in that way.”

Rumoured: Apprentice star Elizabeth McKenna
BBC/Jim Marks

Sinitta

The 80s popstar has been in talks for years to move in to the bungalow – but recently revealed that show bosses have been put off by her demands which include a swearing ban, 24 hour personal security, regular visits from her dog Scarlett and tequila for whenever her fellow housemates are drinking.

Rumoured: Former X Factor aide Sinitta
Rex

India Willoughby

Channel 5’s Willoughby, who became the UK’s first transgender newsreader, has reportedly had secret meetings with show bosses about the upcoming series. A source told The Sun: “India is in talks to sign up for the show – they’d love to land her. She’s outspoken [and] would be amazing television.”

Rumoured: Channel 5 newsreader India Willoughby
Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty

Charlotte Leslie

The pro-Brexit Conservative MP is said to be in talks to secure a six-figure sum to enter the house with a source telling the Sun: “January’s series is all about strong, empowered women. Channel 5 bosses have been desperate to sign a female politician and are thrilled that they've managed to land Charlotte.”

Rumoured: Conservative MP Charlotte Leslie
Ben Birchall/PA

Laura Simpson

Wayne Rooney’s party girl is reportedly desperate to enter the house in a bid to increase her fame after her alleged night out with the footballer resulted in him landing a drink driving charge.

Rumoured: Wayne Rooney's party girl Laura Simpson (Ken McKay/ITV/Rex)
Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock

Shobna Gulati

Gulati, who was famed for playing Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street, was among the first rumoured to be entering the house after it was reported that producers had been attempting to arrange meetings with her agents. A source told the Daily Mirror: “Nothing is confirmed yet but they're very interested.”

Rumoured: Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati
Ian Gavan/Getty

Louise Thompson

The Made in Chelsea regular could be following in the footsteps of her brother Sam who proved popular in the last series.

Rumoured: Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson
Dave Benett

Who is presenting?

Emma Willis is returning to front the main show while Rylan Clark-Neal will be on hand to bring all the gossip on sister show Bit on the Side.

When does it start?

Celebrity Big Brother 2018 kicks off on January 2 at 9pm on Channel 5.

Celebrity Big Brother House 2018- In Pictures

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