Mel B and Stephen Belafonte
Mel B pictured with her husband Stephen Belafonte Getty

This year's Celebrity Big Brother reality show promises big names and a twisted fairytale theme when it kicks off at 9pm Wednesday, 7 January, on Channel 5.

The show's co-host Emma Willis told the Mirror: "I normally stay very blind to it all right up until the last minute – but this year I've actually seen part of a list very early.

"This is definitely going to be one of the best series of the show. It seems like a proper stellar cast."

Among the celebrities rumoured to be heading into the house are Mel B's husband Stephen Belafonte, Calum Best, former Emmerdale actress Patsy Kensit, and This Morning contributor Katie Hopkins.

Celebrity writer Perez Hilton and ex-EastEnder Danniella Westbrook are also said to be heading into the house on Wednesday night.

Rylan Clark, co-host of the show told Metro: "We've got a very very strong line-up."

"We've pretty much got everyone, but a contestant is never confirmed until they walk through the doors because anything can happen up until the day they go in."

Big Brother talent scout Ros Phillips added: "We're trying to steer away from reality stars but there may be ONE. Maybe not one that's very well-known, it's not your usual line-up!"

Celebrity Big Brother hosts Rylan Clark and Emma Willis
Celebrity Big Brother hosts Rylan Clark and Emma Willis Channel 5

Stephen Belafonte - Husband of former Spice Girl Mel B. Will he quash rumours of their marriage problems?

Chloe Goodman – Model and starred in MTV's Ex On The Beach. Her claim to fame is appearing in a film called Plastic, sharing a lesbian clinch with Sugababe Amelle Berrabah.

Jeremy Jackson – Perma-tanned actor in Baywatch reported to have been paid £100,000 for racy stories of the American soap that starred Pamela Anderson.

Perez Hilton – American celebrity blogger who called Lady Gaga a "real-life vampire".

Linda Evans – 72-year-old Dynasty actress who played 'superbitch' Krystle Carrington.

Keith Chegwin – TV presenter and comic. BBC Wiltshire radio reporter Marie Lennon said Chegwin's voice "makes me feel physically sick".

Patsy Kensit – Soap star. Previously married to Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.

Calum Best – Model and son of footballer George Best. Previously starred in Celebrity Love Island. Long list of former loves include Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Harding and Bianca Gasgoigne.

Katie Hopkins – Former Apprentice candidate and professional Twitter troll is rumoured to have been offered £400,00 to appear on the show.

Cami Li – Miami model, best known for being engaged to TOWIE's Kirk Norcross. Also a law student.

Michelle Visage – US reality TV judge on RuPaul's Drag Race is called Ms Nasty because of her fierce comments about contestants.

Brian Harvey – Former East 17 singer. Recently seen outside Downing Street demanding to see the Prime Minister.

Marcus Collins – Former X Factor runner-up who lost to Little Mix in 2011.

Kavana – 90s singer turned boyband wannabe, whose real name is Anthony Kavanagh. The 32-year-old says his biggest regret was never telling his parents he was gay.

Richie Burnett – Disgraced darts player. The former world champion was banned from the 2015 World Championship at Alexandra Palace amid claims he used cocaine, but has refused to comment on the allegations.