Celebrities enter Big Brother house

Former Corrie star Julie Goodyear, Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp and comedian Julian Clary were among the latest housemates to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house tonight.

They were joined by former Loose Woman and chart star Coleen Nolan, an Olympic judo competitor, a Page Three girl and stars of US reality shows.

Also taking part is former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison - who played Heather Trott - and journalist Samantha Brick, who achieved notoriety after writing about how difficult it was to be so "beautiful".

Julie became a household name playing Bet Lynch in the ITV soap and at 70 is the oldest contestant in this series. Julian, a former Strictly Come Dancing star, and Martin, who has carved out an acting career following his band's split - are both in their 50s.

Coleen follows former Loose Women co-star Denise Welch on to the show. Denise appeared in CBB in January, emerging as the winner of the three-week run.

But the show has had a setback with one potential housemate - Duane "Dog" Chapman from US series Dog The Bounty Hunter - was denied a UK visa. The reality TV star was all set to appear but was prevented because of a 1970s murder conviction.

This is the third celebrity version to launch in the space of a year.

Also taking part are Team GB judo competitor Ashley McKenzie, Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino from Jersey Shore and former So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey.

Glamour model Rhian Sugden, who hit the headlines after exchanging racy text messages with Vernon Kay, is also taking part, along with lads' mag model Danica Thrall and Jasmine Lennard, a finalist in TV's Make Me A Supermodel who claims to have had a fling with Simon Cowell.

Prince Lorenzo Borghese, who starred in US series The Bachelor, is also among housemates.