Mystery star to join BB house

Big Brother bosses are throwing an unexpected sparkler into the house this year - in the form of a top celebrity.

10:44 08 April 2005

Big Brother bosses are throwing an unexpected sparkler into the house this year - in the form of a top celebrity.

Not content with the usual collection of fame-hungry members of the public, Channel 4 chiefs are considering bringing in a famous face who they hope will pull in the viewers.

Football legend Gazza, religious fanatic David Icke and glamour model Lucy Pinder are all in the running, according to the Daily Star.

"If they add a celebrity to the mix it will be interesting to see who the public decide to cheer on," an insider told the newspaper.

It is surprising that TV bosses feel the need to liven up the show, given the sheer volume of weirdos who turned up for the BB auditions for the new series, which starts in May.

A contortionist, a female porn star, a convicted car thief and two frisky pensioners are all rumoured to be in the shortlist for the final 12 housemates.

However, Channel 4 has refused to give away any details about who the chosen ones are - this will be announced less than a week before the show kicks off.