Big Brother blonde walks

Celebrity Big Brother bosses are searching for an extra housemate after blonde model Victoria Silvstedt dramatically pulled out of the forthcoming ser

13:05 03 January 2005

Celebrity Big Brother bosses are searching for an extra housemate after blonde model Victoria Silvstedt dramatically pulled out of the forthcoming series, The Sun reports.

The paper says that the 30-year-old model told producers of the Channel 4 show that she had secured a TV presenting job in the US.

Reports suggest the makers of the popular reality TV show, Endemol offered the star extra money to stay, but that the model turned them down to pursue her presenting career.

"The people at Big Brother are gutted. Victoria was set to add some glamour - they're a bit short on sexy women," an unnamed "insider" told The Sun.

Producers are said to be seeking another glamorous female housemate to replace Victoria in the Big Brother house, having reportedly been turned down by Australian pop beauty Holly Vallance, last week.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror claims that Big Brother bosses are planning to "make life hell" for this year's stars with rumours that participants will face solitary confinement, fake evictions and outside baths.

It is also claimed that producers of the show, which begins on Thursday, have deliberately picked celebrity housemates who won't get on.

Those celebrities who have reportedly been approached to take part in the show include shamed footballer Mark Bosnich, racing pundit John McCririck, gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, Leslie Ash's husband Lee Chapman, models Caprice and Sam Fox and actress Brigitte Nielsen.

The Sun also claims that crazy maracas player Bez - famous for his bizarre dances on stage with the Happy Mondays - will appear.

"He's as mad as cheese but should be great value on the telly. He'll make viewers laugh," said an unnamed friend of Bez, whose real name is Mark Berry.