Patrick Moore signs for Celeb BB?

Sir Patrick Moore is reportedly on the shortlist to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The Sky At Night presenter is expected to join Austin Powers star Verne Troyer among other contestants when the show gets underway on January 2, reports The Mirror.

Moore, 85, has presented the astronomy programme since 1957, written more than 70 books and had an asteroid named in his honour in 1982.

A show insider said: "There will be medics on standby, keeping a careful eye on Patrick. He's very spry but has arthritis and needs sticks to get around. The bosses are delighted... he's a national treasure and they're banking on some great television."

Other celebrities linked to the show include Tim Henman and actor Andrew Sachs's granddaughter Georgina Baillie. Whitney Houston, MP Lembit Opik and ex-footballer Ian Wright have also been named as potential housemates.