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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Big Brother return is ratings hit | Big Brother return is ratings hit |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Celebrity Big Brother's return has proved a hit with viewers with more than 5.5 million tuning in to watch. | Celebrity Big Brother's return has proved a hit with viewers with more than 5.5 million tuning in to watch. |
| It drew in 5.9 million at its peak, beating BBC One's Morecambe and Wise: The Show What Paul Merton did (3.9) and ITV1's Midsomer Murders (5.3). | It drew in 5.9 million at its peak, beating BBC One's Morecambe and Wise: The Show What Paul Merton did (3.9) and ITV1's Midsomer Murders (5.3). |
| But it was still down on the 7.3 million who watched Channel 4's 2007 launch, and before a racism row led to 2008's series being cancelled. | But it was still down on the 7.3 million who watched Channel 4's 2007 launch, and before a racism row led to 2008's series being cancelled. |
| La Toya Jackson and TV host Ulrika Jonsson are among those taking part. | La Toya Jackson and TV host Ulrika Jonsson are among those taking part. |
| Austin Powers actor Verne Troyer, singer Mutya Buena, presenter Terry Christian and Shameless actress Tina Malone are also in the line-up. | Austin Powers actor Verne Troyer, singer Mutya Buena, presenter Terry Christian and Shameless actress Tina Malone are also in the line-up. |
| Singers Ben Adams and Michelle Heaton, US rapper Coolio, Scottish politician Tommy Sheridan and glamour model Lucy Pinder complete the household. | Singers Ben Adams and Michelle Heaton, US rapper Coolio, Scottish politician Tommy Sheridan and glamour model Lucy Pinder complete the household. |
| Channel 4's David Williams, commissioning editor for Big Brother, said: "CBB is back with a bang. After all the speculation in the press about the line-up it was worth seeing them walk through those doors." | |
| House leader | House leader |
| In 2007, the series was rocked by a racism row when remarks by Jade Goody to actress Shilpa Shetty drew 54,000 complaints. | In 2007, the series was rocked by a racism row when remarks by Jade Goody to actress Shilpa Shetty drew 54,000 complaints. |
| House leader Terry Christian will be immune from the public vote | House leader Terry Christian will be immune from the public vote |
| It meant 2008's series was replaced with Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack. | It meant 2008's series was replaced with Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack. |
| The show saw stars act as Big Brother to a house of "unknowns". | The show saw stars act as Big Brother to a house of "unknowns". |
| The launch show began on Channel 4 before switching to E4 where the rest of the series was shown. | The launch show began on Channel 4 before switching to E4 where the rest of the series was shown. |
| The 2009 series will run for 22 days, with the first eviction expected to take place next Friday. | The 2009 series will run for 22 days, with the first eviction expected to take place next Friday. |
| In the first twist to the new series, presenter Davina McCall announced for the first time in the show's history, a leader of the celebrity house would be appointed. | In the first twist to the new series, presenter Davina McCall announced for the first time in the show's history, a leader of the celebrity house would be appointed. |
| Former Word host Christian has been chosen to live in luxurious quarters and will nominate fellow celebrities to face the first public vote. | Former Word host Christian has been chosen to live in luxurious quarters and will nominate fellow celebrities to face the first public vote. |
| The 48-year-old will be immune from potential eviction. | The 48-year-old will be immune from potential eviction. |
| Marriage proposal | Marriage proposal |
| The show's executive producer, Sharon Powers, said all of this year's housemates had been reminded about the earlier controversy. | The show's executive producer, Sharon Powers, said all of this year's housemates had been reminded about the earlier controversy. |
| They were also sent DVDs of previous Big Brother series, she added. | They were also sent DVDs of previous Big Brother series, she added. |
| Ms Powers said this year's show would "explore the world of celebrity". | Ms Powers said this year's show would "explore the world of celebrity". |
| "What we aim to do is get an interesting bunch of famous people who we talk to and meet on an individual basis." | "What we aim to do is get an interesting bunch of famous people who we talk to and meet on an individual basis." |
| Bookmakers Ladbrokes said Troyer, Coolio and former boyband star Ben Adams are currently favourites to win the series. | Bookmakers Ladbrokes said Troyer, Coolio and former boyband star Ben Adams are currently favourites to win the series. |
| The Hollywood actor Troyer, who stands at 2ft 8in (83cm) tall, was shown a placard from the crowd which said "Mini Me, will you marry me?" | The Hollywood actor Troyer, who stands at 2ft 8in (83cm) tall, was shown a placard from the crowd which said "Mini Me, will you marry me?" |
| Bollywood actress Shetty won two years ago, earning 63% of the public vote. | Bollywood actress Shetty won two years ago, earning 63% of the public vote. |