Celebrity Big Brother returns to Channel 4 in January

LONDON – The third series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' is set to return to Channel 4 on January 6 and promises to be bigger than before with a record eight celebrity housemates, although no names have yet been revealed.

Davina McCall will host the special launch night show on Thursday January 6 and an hour-long edition of 'Celebrity Big Brother', including live evictions, every night for two weeks.

Programme maker Endemol, which makes the original 'Big Brother' and 'The Farm' for Five, has warned that the new show will have some surprising twists and turns for the celebrities.

Shirley Jones, executive producer of 'Celebrity Big Brother', said: "It's always intriguing to see how well-known faces adapt to life in the 'Big Brother' house, but we are especially excited about seeing our chosen group of celebrities in there as they are an interesting mix."

Although the identities of the housemates are supposed to remain a secret until they enter the house reports have suggested: former Miss Sweden Victoria Silvstedt; kiss-and-tell queen Alicia Douvall, who cites P Diddy, Simon Cowell and 'EastEnders'' star Dean Gaffney among her conquests; and Libertines' former frontman Pete Doherty are to star in the show.

The first 'Celebrity Big Brother' was a ratings success for Channel 4, with chatshow host Vanessa Feltz notoriously losing the plot and comedian and overall winner Jack Dee entertaining the nation with his humorous escape bids.

The second series also fared well, with former Take That band member Mark Owen winning the show, and former Page 3 model Melinda Messenger and drum and bass DJ Goldie among the contestants.

Channel 4 is hoping to steal the ratings crown from ITV after another successful run of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' averaged 8.4m viewers.

The last 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2002 was watched by an average 7m viewers.

'Big Brother 5' sponsor Talk Talk is sponsoring the show.

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