Aussie actor Daniel MacPherson is "in talks" to appear in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother, according to the Daily Star.

The 25-year-old has appeared in Neighbours, The Bill and recently hosted the Australian verson of The X Factor.

Also being courted is This Life host Esther Rantzen, 65, an oft-rumoured name from the past few years.

Flamboyant US personality Anna Nicole Smith, 37, is said to have already signed for the show, which begins Thursday, January 5.