Sharon Osbourne apparently receives an eye-watering daily fee for Celebrity Big Brother.
The former X Factor singer, 71, is part of the ‘leaked’ line-up for the ITV programme, alongside Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin.
However, The Osbournes legend will not be a full-fledged roommate, but rather a special guest star for up to five days, since producers are reportedly unable to pay her wage demands for a lengthier stay.
Sharon and ITV are claimed to have reached an agreement that will pay her £100,000 per day, up to £500,000, for a reduced stint on the renowned show.
A source said: ‘Bosses did all they could to get Sharon and finally reached a deal she’s happy with.’
They continued to The Sun: ‘Sharon will inject enough drama but without her original price tag that was just not feasible.’
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Celebrity Big Brother’s much-anticipated revival begins this week, and we couldn’t be more excited.
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According to reports, Sharon will reconnect with Louis Walsh on air for the first time in seven years during her time on Celebrity Big Brother.
Louis, 71, who co-judged X Factor with Sharon, has apparently signed up for the ITV programme.
‘Louis is just the kind of figure they want in the house — someone with serious life experience who not only has something to say, but isn’t afraid to say it,’ a TV insider told The Sun.
‘These characters have delivered some of the most outstanding moments of Celebrity Big Brother in the past and they’ll want to produce those again.
‘That means they may need to splash some cash to secure the people they have their eye on — but it’s a worthwhile investment.’
The ‘leaked’ lineup also includes This Morning’s Fern Britton, Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary Goldsmith, and Corrie veteran Colson Smith.
ITV said in November that the celebrity Big Brother spin-off will return on its main channel, ITV1, and later disclosed the launch date as today (Monday, March 4).
The relaunch follows the successful return of the original programme, Big Brother, which had the highest watching ratings in almost a decade, with millions turning in.
The celebrity edition has included A-listers such as Ryan Clark, Spencer Pratt, Kerry Katona, Shilpa Shetty, Les Dennis, and Michael Barrymore. The show’s 22 winners range from boyband superstars to controversial reality figures.
In response to Sharon’s fee rumours, A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson said: ‘Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune in to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.’
Celebrity Big Brother starts tonight (Monday March, 4) at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.