After much speculation and many rumours, Channel 5 has finally confirmed the launch date for the summer edition of Celebrity Big Brother, and it's NOT when we were expecting it to be! Channel 5 took to the official Big Brother UK Twitter account to reveal that the launch night will be earlier than rumoured to be. '⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER WARNING! We know it usually rains on Launch Night, but you’ll need more than a brolly for this storm! #CBB kicks off on 16th August, 9pm on @channel5_tv 🎉👁️⛈️', the caption read.
Accompanied by a video confirming the launch date, along with the new Celebrity Big Brother eye logo...
Last month, the new logo and theme of 'Eye Of The Storm' was revealed with Channel 5 saying, 'All of the celebrity names entering the house will have been caught up in their own media storm. And now, the celebrities are once again putting themselves in the public eye and this time they have a lot to prove.' They went on to say, viewers should expect 'fireworks, fun and definitely a few storms'!
Channel 5 still have yet to confirm the line-up for the new series, however, there are many rumoured contestants including Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha Markle. Samantha recently appeared on Good Morning Britain where she was asked if she would be entering the infamous house. “Urm… well, I would tell you, but then I would have to kill you," Samantha said, "So…. I don’t want to find myself in locks and stocks quite frankly. It wouldn’t be becoming.”
See who's rumoured to be in this summer's Celebrity Big Brother...
Celebrity Big Brother 2018 rumoured line-up (slider)
1 of 10Brendan Cole
Following his sacking from Strictly Come Dancing, bosses are reportedly keen to get Brendan on the show this summer.
2 of 10Kieran Hayler
As the new series is reportedly a 'scandal' theme, CBB bosses would like Katie Price's ex Kieran Hayler to spill the beans.
3 of 10Sinitta
Another year, another Sinitta rumour! The 'So Macho' singer is a popular figure on reality TV, but she's previously said she would need regular visits from her dogs.
4 of 10Georgia May Foote
Former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote is also a favourite to appear on the show later in the year.
5 of 10Bobby Norris
The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris has been approached by bosses to go into the house in the past, so could 2018 be his year?
6 of 10Charlotte Dawson
A number of sources have reported that bosses would like to sign up former Ex On The Beach star Charlotte Dawson. Reality stars have previously done well on CBB, who can forget the likes of Charlotte Crosby and Stephen Bear?!
7 of 10Paul Cattermole
Former S Club 7 singer Paul Cattermole revealed earlier this year that he's broke, despite the band's success in the past. Speaking on Loose Women, Paul revealed he would loved to be approached for a reality show like Celebrity Big Brother.
8 of 10Samantha Markle
Meghan Markle's half-sister Meghan is heavily rumoured to appear on the new series. She recently gave an interview on Good Morning Britain and she didn't exactly deny it...
9 of 10Gabby Allen
Following her split from Marcel Somerville, CBB bosses are reportedly very keen to get Love Island 2017 star Gabby Allen on the show to spill all.
10 of 10Ryan Thomas
Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas is rumoured to have signed up for the show. His brother Adam was a popular figure on I'm A Celebrity back in 2016.
The summer edition of Celebrity Big Brother will see Emma Willis returning to present the show, with Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On the Side's Rylan Clark-Neal also returning, as he is joined by a number of celebrity panellists.
Celebrity Big Brother first hit our TV screens way back in 2001, since then we have seen plenty of drama happening in the house with winners including, Mark Owen, Alex Reid, Rylan Clark-Neal, Katie Price, Charlotte Crosby and former Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding. The most recent winter edition of Celebrity Big Brother saw Shane Jenek (AKA Courtney Act) be crowned the winner in January 2018.
Celebrity Big Brother returns to TV screens at 9pm on the 16th August 2018.