It’s only a few months since former ‘Apprentice’ star James Hill walked out of the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ house as the winner following a controversial ‘UK vs. USA’-themed series, but unbelievably, a new season of the Channel 5 reality show is upon us.
After polishing off mince pies and drinking one too many mulled wines over the Christmas period, we have the 17th run of ‘CBB’ to look forward to, as it returns shortly after the New Year.
Below is everything you need to know about the new series, including exactly when is starts, all the housemate rumours, details about the theme, eye, house and hosts, as well as a few hints as to what twists and turns we can expect...
Celebrity Big Brother 2016 LIST
What is the theme?(01 of07)
While this year’s series doesn't have a subtitle like last year’s ‘Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs. USA’, the latest run of the show takes on a vaudeville theme, with lots of elements based around theatrics and performance. (credit:Channel 5)
What does this year’s eye look like?(02 of07)
In line with the vaudeville theme, the show’s iconic eye logo has been given another makeover. It features plenty of dressing room mirror-style light bulbs, with a big star in the middle, and for the first time ever, it also features writing with words such as ‘save’, ‘vote’, ‘nominate’ and ‘evict’ incorporated into the design. (credit:Channel 5)
Who is going into the house?(03 of07)
A whole host a famous faces have been rumoured for the new series including ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professionals Ola Jordan and Kristina Rihanoff, former ‘EastEnders’ stars Danniella Westbrook and John Partridge, singer Darren Day, rapper Vanilla Ice, ‘Apprentice’ stars Selina Waterman-Smith and Scott Saunders, former WAG Nancy Dell'Olio, axed ‘Hollyoaks’ star Stephanie Davis, wrestler Hulk Hogan, ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ star Scott Disick, 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman, controversial comic Dapper Laughs, Prince Andrew’s ex Koo Stark and ‘Mob Wives’ star Big Ange. There’s also rumours that former ‘I’m A Celebrity’ quitter and ‘TOWIE’ legend Gemma Collins will enter the house, after being denied the chance to return to the jungle. ‘Made In Chelsea’ star Spencer Matthews, who was kicked out of the jungle this year after producers found out he had an addiction to steroids, is also rumoured to be part of the line-up. (credit:Getty)
What does the house look like?(04 of07)
The famous Borehamwood bungalow has undergone a glamorous and opulent makeover, with echoes the vaudeville theatres of a bygone era. The layout from last year’s summer series has changed slightly with the living room and kitchen swapping places, and a new dining area installed at the bottom of the stairs. The garden has also been transformed into a Whitechapel style foggy street scene with a Victorian pub snug which will provide a hidden corner for the new housemates to sharing secrets and backstage backstabbing. You'll have to wait until closer to launch to see the Diary Room, however. Take a look at the full house pics in all their glory here. (credit:Channel 5)
Who is hosting?(05 of07)
Despite recently announcing her third pregnancy, Emma Willis will return as host, welcoming a cast of new recruits into the house on launch night, as well as being present at their final curtain calls on eviction nights, as well as the live final. (credit:Channel 5)
Will ‘Bit On The Side’ be back?(06 of07)
Yes! As ever, the newly marriedRylan Clark-Neal will be on hand to dissect all the hot topics, reveal exclusives and go behind the scenes of the main show on the popular spin-off, which will air weeknights on Channel 5. (credit:Channel 5)
What twists can we expect?(07 of07)
While details about the series are shrouded in mystery, Emma recently teased details of the “explosive” launch night twist. “There will be a big explosion on launch night which will set the cat among the pigeons,” she said. “It's going to be quite theatrical and dramatic. The house will look theatrical and plush. We're going to basically see an amazing period drama play out over the weeks.” (credit:Channel 5)
MORE 'BIG BROTHER':
'Celebrity Big Brother' 2016: Rumoured Housemates...
Gemma Collins(01 of16)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
... 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)
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)
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)
Oh dear.Oh dear oh dear oh dear. (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
Angie Bowie(13 of16)
Basically... yes please. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola(14 of16)
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)
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)
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)