Stephen Hawking has been approached for the next series of Celebrity Big Brother, according to a report today.

The theoretical physicist has been offered a "substantial fee" by show producers, but a friend has made it clear that he is likely to turn down the offer.

"When Stephen heard, a big grin spread across his face. He thought it was very funny," a source told The Sun. "He gets wacky offers all the time and is always turning stuff down. He has a good sense of humour and might find being in the house amusing for a bit. But he would end up bored rigid."

Celebrity Big Brother starts in January.