Celebrity Big Brother 'hit by crisis as two stars pull out a week before launch'

The Eye of the Storm series kicks off on August 16
Chaos: Celebrity Big Brother bosses are reportedly panicking after losing two stars from the line-up
Channel 5
Natasha Sporn8 August 2018

Celebrity Big Brother has reportedly been hit by a crisis as two stars have pulled out of the show just a week before the launch.

The new series of the celebrity reality show is set to launch on Thursday August 16, throwing famous faces who have been caught up in a media storm into the iconic house.

But now reports claim that bosses are frantically searching for two new stars after activist Paris Lees and TV presenter John Leslie have pulled out of their appearances.

A source told The Sun Online: “Paris’s deal broke down during last minute negotiations, so she won’t be going into the house anymore.

Former TV presenter John Leslie has been cleared of sexual assault at Edinburgh Sheriff Court
PA

“And John was offered a big, six-figure deal but turned it down and now he’s out of the running too.

“It’s left frantic bosses scrambling to fill the remaining slots. They want to land big names but they’re really up against it with time. There’s just over a week to go which isn’t long to work out contracts and fees.”

Channel 5 declined to comment when contacted.

Last week, the show – which is facing uncertainty over its future – released the first teaser trailer for its Eye of the Storm series.

A “notorious VIP” is teased as well as famous faces who may have “had it all” but “threw it away”.

Music in the background included the lyrics: “The demons surround me/ Thunder rolls on/ Surviving the storm.”

Celebrity Big Brother returns to Channel 5 at 9pm on Thursday 16 August.

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