The Celebrity Big Brother contestants

The 12 celebrity contestants in this year's January edition of Celebrity Big Brother have been revealed, and sent into the compound.

Lionel Blair and Linda Nolan are the two big surprises that nobody saw coming, and have joined some of the most controversial names in the business (that you may, or may not have heard of...).

Lionel Blair's a surprise no-one saw coming

Daily Mail writer Liz Jones has a vicious history, infamous for writing "She promotes drug-taking, drinking and the sort of fashion sense on stage that surely invites rape at worst, disrespect at least" about pop sensation Rihanna, and should be brought down a peg or two when she goes head to head with the other women in the house.

Luisa Zissman and Sam Faiers are taking part and fans are hopeful that Lee Ryan from Blue will kick off a romance with one of the two.

Will Sam Faiers find love in the house?

However, it could be relatively unknown Essex model Casey Batchelor or American model Jasmine Waltz that catch the handsome boybander's eye, so long as Made in Chelsea's bisexual Ollie Locke doesn't snap them up first, as he becomes the first alumni from the reality series to take part in Big Brother.

Jim Davidson has finally been allowed to compete after a tough 2013, and Dappy - after saying he'd never go in the house - has also signed up following reported money troubles.

Dappy shocked when agreeing to take part

Boxing legend Evander Holyfield completes the lineup, and we can't wait to see if he'll be able to hold his tongue when the egos go to battle - he'd definitely be scary in a house showdown.

Here's to hoping there's more drama, twists and fun tasks than ever before. Just keep the outside contact to a minimum, Channel 5!

Celebrity Big Brother continues on Channel 5 every night.

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