Pre-BB: Tabloid and MTV stars to enter Big Brother 2016 as “celebrities”?

Tabloid and MTV stars could be among the new Housemates set to enter the Big Brother House when the show returns next month.

Alongside them, X Factor rejects could also be entering the House in a second bid for fame. The Sun reports that Ryan Ruckledge, who made it through to Boot Camp in the ITV competition, could walk through the famous doors alongside Ex on the Beach model, Connor Hunter.

Other potential Housemates include Catherine Byrne, who caused outrage by pretending to be a student so she could take out a £14,000 loan for plastic surgery, and the “Selfie Sisters” Lucie, Sophie and Stacie Brooks.

“The producers are intending on blurring the lines of the ‘civilian’ and ‘celebrity’ shows by putting in a mixture of unknown names and tabloid personalities,” the newspaper’s source said. “They’re really keen on Catherine, and some lesser known reality stars from shows like Ex On The Beach.

“They’re on the hunt for people that are desperate for fame and will no doubt prove to be TV gold.”

It was first reported that Channel 5 could be merging both Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother in a controversial new twist last month.

Big Brother kicks off in June.