Barrymore Tipped For Celeb Big Brother

Channel 4 looks set to cause controversy this Thursday, with the latest series Celebrity Big Brother rumoured to have signed shamed TV presenter Michael Barrymore.

Newspaper reports this morning claim the former TV presenter and comedian will join Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith and comedian Johnny Vegas in the show, just weeks after Ofcom dismissed criticism of last year’s controversy-ridden series, despite more than 900 complaints from viewers.

According to the Sun, Barrymore’s appearance will net him a fee of £150,000, although several close friends have claimed it is too early for the star to make a comeback.

Channel 4’s decision is sure to court controversy should Barrymore appear in the show’s final line-up, not least following unanswered questions surrounding the death of a man in his swimming pool five years ago. Under the circumstances, newspapers today branded the inclusion of a pool in the show’s famous house as “tasteless”.

Last year saw Channel 4 secure the rights to the Big Brother format for another two years, signaling the broadcaster’s confidence in the programme after a heated ratings battle against ITV’s Celebrity Love Island last June (see Channel 4 Extends Rights To Big Brother).

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