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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook
For those wondering, iconic voiceover dude Marcus Bentley is watching from home tonight - the first launch show he's missed in 18 years
And I've now just realised that in two years, Big Brother will have been on TV in the UK for two whole decades. Blimey
Anyway, back to the housemates - next up is Maggie Oliver, the ex-police officer who spoke out to expose the Rochdale sex grooming scandal
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments