Reality TV
The eclectic lineup includes five females and six males, with ages ranging from 23 to 79.
As widely reported in recent days, the group includes former Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins, 29; Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, 31; Towers of London frontman Donny Tourette, 25; and former Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd, 23.
From America come A Team star Dirk Benedict, 61 and Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, 52. They are joined by 70s pop legend Leo Sayer, 58 and bad boy film director Ken Russell, who is the oldest member of the group at the age of 79.
Completing the lineup are journalist Carole Malone, 47; actress Cleo Rocos, 44 and former S Club singer Jo O'Meara, 27.
Exec producer Claire O'Donohoe commented: "The unpredictability of the mix of this year's celebrity housemates makes it our most exciting yet."
Notable omissions from the rumoured lineup include ex-Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins, former talk-show host Robert Kilroy-Silk and Corrie Legend Julie Goodyear.
At almost four weeks, this year's celebrity series will be the longest to date.
More: Reality TV, Celebrity Big Brother
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