Celebrity Big Brother 2018 line up rumours, start time, theme - everything you need to know about the new series

Starting as an all-female house

Another year, another series of Celebrity Big Brother gets ready to launch.

As has been widely reported for months, the series will start with only women in the house, Channel 5 marking the 100th anniversary of women being given the vote.

Big Brother has previously started with an all-female house before, the eighth series — which aired on Channel 4 in 2007 — beginning the same way.

Similar to then, men will be slowly introduced into the house as the series progresses. Big Brother 2007 was eventually won by a male contestant, Brian Belo.

"As the nation prepares to mark [the centenary], we're launching the show with female-only contestants which is a gentle nod to this landmark anniversary,” the show’s executive editor, Tamsin Dodgson, told the BBC.

So far, only one contestant has been confirmed for the line-up, journalist Rachel Johnson — sister of politician Boris — whose father, former Conservative MP Stanley Johnson, recently appeared on ITV reality competition I'm A Celebrity...

Rachel Johnson, the only contestant confirmed for this year's Celebrity Big Brother

But who else will be appearing alongside Johnson? So far, there are only rumours regarding the initial line-up. Here’s who’s in contention.

Ann Widdecombe — Former Tory MP, known for having controversial opinions. Reportedly a last-minute addition to the line-up.

Malika Haqq — Khloe Kardashian's best friend and former PA. She’s already been spotted at Heathrow Airport and was reportedly paid large amount six-figure sum to appear on the show. Previously seen on Real Husbands of Hollywood, Dash Dolls, and Hollywood Divas.

Sandra Martin — Gogglebox star who appears on Channel 4 show alongside Sandi Bogle. While Martin initially denied appearing on Celebrity Big Brother on Twitter, she later told The Sun she would be on the show.

India Willoughby — Transgender newsreader and regular guest on This Morning and Loose Women.

Charlotte Leslie — Former MP for Bristol North West who lost the seat at the 2017 snap election. A pro-Brexit politician, tabloids say Channel 5 paid a six-figure number to get Leslie on board as desperate for female MP. Despite rumours, though, Leslie has denied the rumours on Twitter.

Holly Hagan — Geordie Shore star who quit the MTV show in 2016.

Shobna Gulati — Former Coronation Street and Eastenders actor who also appeared regularly on Loose Women between 2010 and 2014.

Louise Thompson — Best known for appearing on Made In Chelsea and having relationships with many of the show’s other stars.

Sinitta — The 80s pop-star who appeared multiple times alongside Simon Cowell on The X Factor.

Laura Simpson — Best known for being the woman Wayne Rooney was caught drunk driving with. Rooney was sentenced to 100 hours community service while Simpson appeared on This Morning for a disastrous interview.

Michelle Mone — known as Baroness Mone of Mayfair. An entrepreneur who made her fortune selling lingerie. While she has claims to have refused an invitation from Channel 5, rumours remain persistent she will appear.

Michaella McCollum — one of two brits caught attempting to carry cocaine from Peru to Madrid, who were dubbed the “Peru Two” by newspapers. Her and partner in crime Melissa Reid were rumoured to be on the “pairs” series.

Talulah-Eve Brown — first transgender model to enter Britain's Next Top Model.

Elizabeth McKenna — one of last year’s Apprentice candidates who earned the nickname “scary Liz” and was a hit with viewers.

The actual contestants will be announced tonight, 2 January, when Celebrity Big Brother: Year of the Woman — hosted by Emma Willis — begins at 9pm on Channel 5.