Ron Atkinson has signed up for 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The former football manager - who was once in charge of Premiership heavyweights Aston Villa - is reportedly going to be one of the highest-paid stars on the forthcoming series alongside 'Geordie Shore' beauty Charlotte Crosby, with both thought to be earning fees approaching six figures.
The 74-year-old star is keen to go on the Channel 5 reality TV show to change any negative opinions the public may have of him after he was forced to quit as an ITV football pundit in 2004 when a racist remark he made about Chelsea player Marcel Desailly was broadcast when he thought his microphone was off.
An insider said: "Bosses are keen for the new series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' to be lively and these signings will bring that.
"Big Ron wants viewers to see a different side to him but he will bring controversy just because of who he is."
As well as Ron - who is no stranger to appearing on TV after starring in football soap 'Dream Team' in 1997 - outspoken 'Loose Women' star Carol McGiffin and ex-addict and model Sophie Anderton have also signed up for the programme.
The insider added to The Sun newspaper: "Sophie wants to prove she's back on the wagon while for Charlotte it's a chance to raise her profile."
A Channel 5 spokesman said the broadcaster will not comment on 'Celebrity Big Brother' signings ahead of the launch.
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