The competitors for the final place in the 'Big Brother' house had to claim their tickets via a hotline before last Friday's deadline, and include a professional tennis player, a 50-year-old Abba-impersonating grandmother and one woman who claims to have bought more than 13,000 Kit Kat bars before finding a golden ticket.
The tickets are part of a promotion by confectionery manufacturer Nestle, which placed 100 in special editions of Kit Kat bars.
Tonight, the golden ticket winner will be chosen at random by the 'Big Brother' housemates through a live lottery draw in the garden to replace either Nikki Grahame or Sam Brodie, the housemates who are currently nominated for eviction.
Golden ticket winners will be gathered outside on the stage in front of the live audience, with each potential housemate wearing a number that will correspond with the lottery ball numbers in the garden.
At one point, more than 20 golden tickets were on sale on auction site eBay, with prices reaching up to £3,000 a ticket.
The phrase "insider story" may also take on an entirely new meaning, because it is believed that a red-top tabloid journalist has managed to gain a golden ticket that may grant them possible access to the 'Big Brother' house.
Previously, the 'Big Brother' rules set by broadcaster Channel 4 and production company Endemol has stated that journalists are not allowed to apply to become contestants.
The journalist, who is believed to have obtained her ticket from a source for £2,000, will join fellow journalist and professional gambler Ed Murray from 'The Sportsman' and Dublin radio DJ Sue Carter.
A spokesperson for 'Big Brother' said: "'We are delighted that 35 Golden Ticket holders will have a chance of entering the 'Big Brother' house tonight. The response to the competition has been incredible and we have been amazed that so many people are able to drop everything to become a housemate."
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