Megan McKenna and Charlotte Dawson have signed up for 'The Farm'.

Megan McKenna

Megan McKenna

Bosses are hoping that the former 'Only Way Is Essex' star and the daughter of comedian Les Dawson will "sex the series up" and attract younger viewers to the show.

A source told The Sun Online: "Producers wanted to sign up popular reality stars that have already had huge success on other shows. It was a no-brainer for them to go after Megan McKenna and Charlotte Dawson who have both thrived in countless reality TV programmes.

"They wanted some top names to sex the series up to attract younger viewers, instead of relying on its previous audience. Bosses hope viewers will entertained by the two glamorous women who will be completely out of their comfort zones when knee deep in manure."

It was revealed earlier this month that 'The Farm' is returning for a new series.

A TV source said: "Channel 5 is trying to distance the old show from this one but there will be a few viewers who tune in just to see if it's similar. It'll be a new ten-part series on 5Star this year. They're hoping for some top names to do team and individual challenges to see who can most closely replicate the characteristics of the best farmers - patience, passion, resilience, adaptability and, most importantly, hard work. They'll have to impress two of the UK's top farmers to win the show."

The original show ran for two series between 2004 to 2005, with Jeff Brazier crowned Top Farmer after season one, and Keith Harris and Orville the Duck scooped the title for the second run.