There will be eight women and eight men, who enter the compound tonight to compete for the right to become a bona fide housemate.
Among the 16 hopefuls, there will be "gays, lesbians, bisexuals and virgins", confirmed show producer Phil Edgar-Jones.
"Most of them are single, but they are a really diverse bunch," he said. "They are a cosmopolitan mix.
"Lots of fit girls and lots of fit boys, from all walks of life and all four corners of the world."
The hopefuls' ages range from 18 to 40.
Tabloid reports over recent weeks have suggested that this year's contestants may include beauty queens Stephanie Holland and Karly Ashworh, Coach Trip duo Graham Winstone-Peters and Ivy Pink, a "Brazilian lad", a "wannabe from Pakistan" and a "cheeky joker" from Ireland.
Big Brother 10 starts tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
