US film star Koo enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Prince Andrew in the 1980s and were tipped to marry but split after 18 months when it was revealed she had appeared in an erotic movie, ‘Emily’, in 1976.
Producers will now be searching to find a replacement for Koo, before Tuesday’s (5 January) live launch show.
Despite her representative denying that she’d be taking part, Danniella Westbrook has still repeatedly been linked with a place in the house, while Vanilla Ice and John Partridge have also been rumoured.
Discussing this year’s line-up, host Emma Willis teased last month: “I do think this is one of the strongest we've ever had. When we had Lee Ryan and Jim Davidson, everyone said, 'This is the peak, it can't get better than this'. But they just keep matching it or doing even better with every series. They are so fantastic at getting the right types of people.
“There are a couple in there that I was so excited about, purely because of my own love of them in the past. Aside from people you may have loved in the past, there are just some great characters who I think will give TV gold.”
‘Celebrity Big Brother’ launches on 5 January at 9pm on Channel 5.
'Celebrity Big Brother' 2016: Rumoured Housemates...
Gemma Collins(01 of16)
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Rumour has it Gemma initially turned down an appearance on this summer's 'CBB', but has been talked into taking part in the upcoming series, following her departure from 'The Only Way Is Essex'. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Spencer Matthews(02 of16)
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He was forced to pull out of the jungle when producers discovered he was addicted to 'steroid-based medication', but Spencer could reportedly be getting a second chance when 'CBB' re-opens its doors. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Stephanie Davis(03 of16)
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But Spencer isn't the only potential housemate to swap the jungle for the 'CBB' house.Stephanie was initially signed up to appear in this year's 'I'm A Celebrity', but had to pull out at the last minute, due to a severe nut allergy. It's since been claimed she's signed up for 'CBB' instead. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Danniella Westbrook(04 of16)
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Despite vehemently denying her involvement in both series of 'CBB' in 2015, that hasn't stopped the rumours circulating that 2016 is the year we'll see Danniella Westbrook in the house. (credit:Steve Meddle/ITV/Rex)
Vanilla Ice(05 of16)
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Ice Ice maybe..?After a turbulent 2015, Ice could be about to kick off 2016 with a bang. (credit:Aaron Davidson via Getty Images)
Selina Waterman-Smith(06 of16)
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After being eliminated from 'The Apprentice', she's claimed she'd like to take part in 'CBB', to offer the British public a glimpse at her more fun side. (credit:Boundless/BBC)
Hulk Hogan(07 of16)
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The pro wrestler was initially tipped for the most recent series of 'CBB', but was axed from the line-up at the eleventh hour, when he became embroiled in a racism scandal.He's since expressed interest in taking part in the January series... but only if the price is right when producers come knocking. (credit:Gabe Ginsberg via Getty Images)
Ola Jordan(08 of16)
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After confirming her departure from 'Strictly', Ola has been widely tipped to appear in the new series of 'CBB'. Given her controversial nature - and the fact her husband, James, is a past 'CBB' finalist - we can definitely see this one happening... (credit:Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images)
Kristina Rihanoff(09 of16)
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... that is, if her fellow 'Strictly' pro Kristina Rihanoff doesn't snag a spot in the line-up instead. (credit:David Fisher/Rex)
Scott Disick(10 of16)
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True, we can't actually imagine Kourtney Kardashian's ex shacked up with Gemma Collins and Vanilla Ice, but he's reportedly snagged the highest fee in the show's history to take part. (credit:Dave Lee via Getty Images)
Nadya 'Octomom' Suleman(11 of16)
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Another US star rumoured to be heading for the 'CBB' house, we can definitely imagine Octomom shelling out a few home truths, and ruffling some feathers. (credit:Everett Collection/REX Shutterstock)
Dapper Laughs(12 of16)
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Oh dear.Oh dear oh dear oh dear. (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
Angie Bowie(13 of16)
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Basically... yes please. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola(14 of16)
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The 'Mob Wives' star reportedly had to pull out of this summer's series, after undergoing surgery for throat cancer - but could this be her chance to join the show? (credit:Manny Carabel via Getty Images)
Koo Stark(15 of16)
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Best known for her rumoured affair with Prince Andrew, is Koo Stark about to make a splash in the Borehamwood Bungalow? (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Rachel Christie(16 of16)
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Niece of Lindford Christie. Mother to David McIntosh's child. Former 'Love Island' contestant. Beauty queen. Rachel Christie is all of this and so much more... but it seems she won't be a 'CBB' contestant, as she appeared to deny rumours of her involvement on her Twitter page. (credit:Keith Hewitt via Getty Images)