Celebrity Big Brother returned to our screens last night (January 2) with an all-female twist.
In celebration of it being 100 years since women won the right to vote, the series kicked off with eight female celebrities moving into the famous house. Continuing with the all-female theme, the live audience was packed with females only. Whilst the show was hosted by Emma Willis as normal, the iconic announcer Marcus Bentley was given the evening off.
The eight contestants so far are:
Ann Widdecombe
The 70-year-old ex-Tory MP is no stranger to reality TV, having starred on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Sugar Free Farm.
Malika Haqq
The 34-year-old is best known for being Khloé Kardashian’s BFF and a recurring guest on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Rachel Johnson
50-year-old Rachel, this year’s first confirmed housemate, is a journalist and novelist. She is also the sister of Boris Johnson and the daughter of Stanley Johnson, who appeared on the last series of I’m a Celebrity.
Ashley James
Socialite Ashley, 30, is a former Made in Chelsea star. She is also a DJ, model and presenter.
India Willoughby
India, 52, is the nation’s first-ever transgender news reader. The journalist has also appeared on the panel of Loose Women.
Maggie Oliver
62-year-old Maggie is the former detective constable who was a key part in breaking up the Rochdale child grooming ring. The case was the basis of BBC’s Three Girls, where Maggie was played by Lesley Sharp.
Jess Impiazzi
Jess, 28, is a glamour model who is best known for appearing on MTV’s Ex on the Beach.
Amanda Barrie
Amanda, 82, is acting royalty best known for playing Alma in Coronation Street as well as her roles in Carry On, and Are You Being Served?
Live Task
Before the housemates had a chance to settle in, Celebrity Big Brother had already given them their first live task. Battling for immunity, pairs of housemates had to try and fix a fuse to restore power to the house. The task was won by Amanda and Jess, meaning that they will be immune from the first eviction.
Male housemates to enter the house on Friday
Emma Willis also revealed that the household won’t be staying as an all-female one for too long. On Friday (January 5), a string of male contestants will be moving in to the house. Whilst Love Island’s Jonny Mitchell and The Apprentice’s Andrew Brady have been rumoured, the only confirmed male contestant so far is footballing legend John Barnes.
What do you think of the Celebrity Big Brother line up so far? Who would you like to see enter the house on Friday? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix