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As it happenedended

Celebrity Big Brother 2018 line-up: Ann Widdecombe, Amanda Barrie and Rachel Johnson enter all-female house as CBB returns

It's that time of year again

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 02 January 2018 21:06 GMT
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(Channel 5)

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UPDATE: Find the full list of housemates - as well as the first confirmed male contestant - here.

Celebrity Big Brother 2018 launches tonight on Channel 5 with an all-female house - a "gentle nod" to the landmark 100th anniversary of women being given the right to vote.

This is the second time to have happened in Big Brother history following the reality competition's non-celebrity eighth series which aired on Channel 4 back in 2007.

Male celebrities are expected to enter the house throughout the series to compete in tasks set to question gender stereotypes.

Only one housemate has been confirmed thus far; journalist Rachel Johnson - sister of politician Boris - whose father, former Conservative MP Stanley Johnson, recently appeared on ITV series I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

Other rumoured contestants include former Tory MP Anne Widdecombe, transgender newsreader India Willoughby and Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson.

Last year saw two Celebrity Big Brothers, one of which was won by Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan and the second of which saw victory for former Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.

Celebrity Big Brother: Year of the Woman - hosted by Emma Willis - kicks off tonight (2 January) at 9pm on Channel 5.

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Just two days into 2018 and there's a new series of Celebrity Big Brother - depending on your stance, that's either terrific or terrible news

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 20:10

Regardless, we're on hand to talk you through the launch night's big talking points

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 20:11

(AKA fill you in on what the housemates are actually 'famous' for)

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 20:11

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 20:28

This is your five minute warning

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 20:55

Friendly advice: do *not* watch Hot Pursuit on Sunday

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 21:00

Fair play to Emma Willis - keeping the enthusiasm despite torrential downpour, what a trooper

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 21:04

'I think it's about time women were in charge, don't you?' - going by the news of late, it's a salient and rather good point

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 21:05

'It's my favourite kitchen in Big Brother history' - Emma straight in there with the hot takes

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 21:08

And the first housemate is... former Tory MP Anne Widdecombe

Kristin Hugo2 January 2018 21:08

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