'Celebrity Big Brother' star Big Ang has been diagnosed with cancer.

Big Ang

Big Ang

The TV personality - who first found fame on US reality show 'Mob Wives' - had been signed up for the eagerly-awaited 'Celebrity Big Brother's UK vs USA' this summer, but Ang's health troubles have thrown those plans into chaos.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Big Ang pulling out is a huge blow. She would have been a great housemate. Producers are scrambling to find a replacement."

The feisty American - whose real name is Angela Raiola - had to withdraw from the show after undergoing surgery earlier this month to remove a tumour the size of a lemon from her throat.

Ang established her reputation on 'Mob Wives' - the TV show about women who are related to gangsters - thanks to her raspy voice, big lips and even bigger boobs.

Subsequently, she was given her own spin-off series on VH1, called 'Big Ang.'

Meanwhile, it was revealed earlier this month that US model and former 'America's Next Top Model' judge Janice Dickinson was the first to sign up for the new series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' in August, on a £300,000 deal.