ITV has announced that the upcoming Celebrity Big Brother series will feature a fully live launch night, a significant change from the pre-recorded launch of the 2023 non-celebrity edition. The broadcaster confirmed to the Mirror that the line-up will not be revealed until the celebrities enter the house next month, with plans for a bumper launch night.
Viewers were left frustrated last year when the launch was not broadcast live, but ITV has now agreed to a shake-up for the celebrity version, ensuring the March launch will be 100 percent live. The show returns to ITV next month.
Rumoured contestants include Love Island star Ekin-Su Culculoglu, who recently split from Davide Sanclimenti, as well as Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith, former X Factor judge Louis Walsh, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, and ex-TOWIE star Joey Essex. Phillip Schofield has also been linked to the show.
Ekin-Su addressed her split on Instagram, stating: 'The last 18 months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this relationship work as we cared deeply for each other. Unfortunately, I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways.'
Celebrity Big Brother teased the upcoming series with a new colourful eye logo during an ad break on Love Island All Stars. The logo features symbols such as a broken heart and a question mark, with a yellow star in the centre. The official CBB account posted on Twitter: 'Celebrities… Big Brother is coming to get you. Coming March to ITV1 and #CBBUK.'
