Still reeling from the high ratings enjoyed by the last excursion to the Celebrity Big Brother house, a competition won with grace by comedian Julian Clary, Channel 5 execs have dug deep into their pockets to provide the next round of residents something a little special.
The new inhabitants, due to enter the house next week on 3 January, will have plenty of places to cool off, should tempers start to fray over the big things in life. For the first time, as well as a pool, jacuzzi and gym, there is a giant igloo in the garden.
The igloo is a first for the CBB house
The house is themed throughout somewhere between a ski-lodge and a Scandinavian holiday home, with the kitchen looking particularly IKEA-resplendent.
Residents are reported to include the usual pot pourri from the entertainment world. Names touted include Claire from reformed band Steps and glamour model Lacey Banghard. Continuing the tradition of other reality show alumni crossing the threshold are reported to be 'The Hills' 'stars' Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag and somebody who may need to monopolise the toilet roll for tears - 'X Factor' reject Rylan Clark.
There is a distinctly Scandinavian feel to the kitchen
Also in the frame is a quartet of soap stars - 'Neighbours' actor Ryan Maloney (Toady in the Aussie soap), Coronation Street's Sam Robertson (Adam Barlow), Tricia Penrose of Heartbeat, and EastEnders vet Gillian Taylforth, possibly to step into Julie Goodyear's impressive mischief-making shoes.
Jim Davidson and jockey Frankie Dettori are also mooted, with other names set to drop and confuse before the show kicks off again on 3 January.
Who lives in a house like this?
