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The 'celebrity' contestants linked to the new series...

09:13 05 August 2011

Jedward and Kerry Katona are among the star names to be linked to the new series of Celebrity Big Brother.

The Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs and Katona's mum, Sue, are also lined up to enter the house on 18 August.

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is the best-known star to be linked to the show, while wife of Commons Speaker John Bercow, Sally Bercow, and Paddy Doherty from Channel Four programme My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding are also rumoured to be appearing.

According to reports, this year's house will feature a 24-hour bar, which will allow the housemates to access alcohol around the clock if they win tasks and keep to the rules.

Big Brother has previously been criticised for allowing the housemates to drink excessively, following the 'Fight Night' incident in the fifth series of the programme.

Last night a Channel Five spokesman said:

"Big Brother executives are currently in talks with a number of celebrities about appearing on the Channel 5 series, but we are not confirming any names at the moment."

This year Big Brother will be broadcast on Channel Five for the first time.

Catch the launch show at 9pm on 18 August.