Celebrity Big Brother is set to return next month and a number of stars have been rumoured to be taking part in the 2025 series - including EastEnders star Patsy Palmer
Patsy Palmer, best known for her role as Bianca Jackson in the iconic BBC soap EastEnders is rumoured to be joining the 2025 season of ITV's Celebrity Big Brother.
The actress, who has been a staple on EastEnders since 1993, isn't a stranger to reality TV, having delighted fans in 2020 with her participation in the UK's version of The Masked Singer.
Now, it appears she may be ready to dive into another reality TV venture as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother.
ITV brought back the popular show last year, with viewers tuning in to see celebrities such as music manager Louis Walsh, daytime TV icon Fern Britton and Coronation Street's Colson Smith compete for the title.
The 2025 season is slated to start airing in just a few days, with Monday, April 7 marked as the expected launch date.
While the official line-up is yet to be announced, several well-known names have been linked to the upcoming new season - the 24th series of the long-standing show.
Patsy is reportedly one of the stars close to signing an agreement to participate.
The Daily Mail has shared insights on reality TV casting, revealing, "Patsy Palmer is set to join Celebrity Big Brother when the new series begins next month... [She] is in final talks with show bosses to enter the famous abode.", reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, the Mirror is seeking a comment from Patsy's rep, and the Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson noted, "Any names suggested for Celebrity Big Brother are purely speculation."
This potential move for Patsy emerges shortly after she finished recording her last scenes on EastEnders, having decided to depart the iconic soap once more.
Her character Bianca arrived on the square back in 1993, taking a break in 1999, only to return in 2008 up until 2014.
Despite briefly appearing again in 2019 and rejoining in 2024, Patsy is all set to make her exit later this year, already wrapping up her scenes.
Her current position free from soap duties could seamlessly lead her into the Big Brother universe as early as next month.
Adding to the buzz of the upcoming Celebrity Big Brother series is nineties sensation Chesney Hawkes, who, according to The Sun, might also be gearing up for the spotlight in preparation for a major musical resurgence.
They quoted a source saying, "Chesney Hawkes is one of those rare British celebrities who crosses generational divides.
"Everyone knows The One and Only even if the youngsters might not recognise his name. He's also had decades in showbiz so CBB bosses hope he'll be loose-lipped about celebrity encounters over the years, just like Louis Walsh last year."
Politician Sir Michael Fabricant, Coronation Street actor Jack P. Shepherd and British Olympic legend Daley Thompson are other stars tipped to be taking part.
The show will return next month with AJ Odudu and Will Best returning to host. A report by the MailOnline earlier this month suggested that Michael's inclusion could lead to explosive scenes.
A source told the outlet: "He doesn't hold back, he's going to be compulsive viewing, we can't wait.
"We wanted a top politician but one with enormous personality which would entertain the viewers. He recently lost his seat so was available, already the execs are excited that he will be a star of the series.
"Michael is not only instantly recognisable but also is so likely to say the wrong thing, start some debates and really ramp things up in the house."
Celebrity Big Brother returns on Monday, April 7 at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
