Nasty Nick calls off BB return

The former Big Brother star will not be back in the houseÂ…

10:17 13 July 2009

Former Big Brother contestant 'Nasty' Nick Bateman has pulled out of returning to the reality show, it has been confirmed.

Bateman was set to return to the house after his first appearance nine years ago. However a Channel 4 spokesman said the former contestant decided against the return last minute, as he did not want to participate in a planned assault course challenge.

Big Brother winner Craig Phillips, who won the series in 2000 will now take Bateman's place.

Bateman, who was kicked out of the house in 2000, was scheduled to take part in a fitness challenge against the current contestants in the house.

He was axed from the first series for attempting to influence the eviction process to allow him to win the reality show.

Several other former housemates, such as BB9 winner Brian Belo, are confirmed to return this week as a part of the show's 10-year anniversary.

Currently, housemates Sophie Reade and Siavash Sabbaghpour face the public vote for eviction.

Kris Donnelly was the last housemate to be evicted from this year's series after receiving 63% of the public vote.