Big Brother rumours

Seven years on and we're all still suckers for the daddy of reality TV shows. As we gear up for another summer from Britain's most famous house, we look at some of the rumours, half-truths and down-right lies surrounding the upcoming show...

Dirty tricks

There has been much speculation that producers are planning to capitalise on the heightened interest in Big Brother with plans for another edgy series. The tabloids have reported that this summer's series will be built around the theme of "Saints and Sinners" in an attempt to cause friction in the House.

There has also been a report that instead of the usual £100,000 prize fund, Big Brother 8 contestants will have personal bank accounts and compete against each other to earn cash during their stay in the house.

New house

New additions to the house could include a spa added to the bedroom to encourage lust. And due to new legislation, a smoking ban will be in effect in all public places. Health officials have declared the House as a workplace, meaning housemates will not be allowed to smoke inside, but will be able to smoke outside.

New selection process

Following the recent spate of unstable contestants ending up in the house, this year's selection process reportedly involved new psychological tests to ensure that all prospective contestants can cope with life in the house. This might have something to do with Shahbaz talking about killing himself a few days into Big Brother 7.

As part of the final selection process it has been suggested that short-listed candidates were spied on by the show's production team to ensure that potential housemates were watched at work and during nights out.

Bye bye Brand and Big Brain

The traditional Monday night psychology show Big Brother's Big Brain will not be returning for this summer's series. The weekly show, fronted by Dermot O'Leary, featured psychological profiles and analysis of the housemates' behaviour. Its termination might have something to do with the recent news that O'Leary has landed a presenting role on ITV's X Factor. However, fans will still be able to catch him on BBLB for the summer run.

Sadly Russell Brand fans will no longer get their daily fix of the skinny-jeaned dandy as reports suggest that the 31-year-old funny man will be not returning to host Big Mouth. Sob. Some of the tabs have suggested that Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles might be stepping into his shoes.

Start date

Not long now. Big Brother opens it's doors at 9pm on Wednesday 30th May.

24th May 2007