It's back! Celebrity Big Brother's live launch show 'to return for new ITV series'

BANG Showbiz

February 13, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.·2 min read

'Celebrity Big Brother' is expected to feature a live launch show next month.

The star-studded version of the celebrity spin-off show will air on ITV next month, co-hosted by new 'Big Brother' presenters Will Best and AJ Odudu, who presented ITV's first-ever series of the reality TV show last year.

At the time, the launch show was pre-recorded, which narrator Marcus Bentley said was to "avoid chaos", but the premiere of the new celebrity season looks set to be live.

A TV insider said told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "Producers wanted to bring back that anything-could-happen feel to Celebrity Big Brother’s kick-off, even if it will be a bit more of a nerve-wracking experience for them."

This year's 'Celebrity Big Brother' full line-up isn't expected to be confirmed until the stars appear on the launch show.

The insider added: "It will also ensure the bosses will be able to save a few more surprises, in terms of the famous housemates they plan to unveil on the night.

"AJ and Will proved themselves hugely capable hosts on the “civilian” series, so there’s no fear they won’t be able to handle the live launch and take it in their stride."

Former 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Katie Price, 'Strictly Come Dancing' head judge Shirley Ballas, former 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Met Out Of Here!' star Rebekah Vardy - the wife of England footballer Jamie Vardy - ex-'Love Island' star Chloe Burrows, businessman Levi Roots, and TOWIE's Joey Essex are among those who have been linked to the upcoming series.

Former 'Love Island' star Olivia Attwood has also admitted she has been in talks about appearing on 'CBB'.

During a Q and A on her Instagram Story, one fan asked her: "Also, would you ever do ‘Celebrity Big Brother’?"

She teasingly replied: "We did talk..."

It has also been reported that the Princess of Wales' uncle Gary Goldsmith - who is the younger brother of Catherine's mother Carole Middleton - has signed up for the show.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Gary is champing at the bit to get on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.

"He finalised the terms of his deal today and can’t wait to enter the house."

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