US rapper Lil Kim has reportedly signed up for the new series of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, becoming one of the most expensive contestants ever.
Kim - real name Kimberly Jones - is set to enter the reality TV house when the new series kicks off later this month, after bagging a megabucks deal.
The Daily Star has reported that Kim is expected to get a similar fee to Katie Price and the late David Gest, who received a rumoured £500,000 for their appearances in January 2015 and January 2016 respectively.
A source told the paper: “Producers are thrilled they’ve finally got her. It’s taken a lot of cash but they are confident she will be worth it.”
Kim - who is one of the world’s most successful female rappers, having sold 20 million records - is no stranger to reality TV, having previously starred on the US versions of ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
She is best known in the UK for her collaboration with Christina Aguilera, Pink and Mya on ‘Lady Marmalade’, which reached number one in the charts when it was released as the soundtrack to film ‘Moulin Rouge’ in 2001.
News of her signing comes after ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ star Helen Lederer was linked to a spot on the show.
Other stars tipped to appear on this summer’s ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ include 80s popstar Samantha Fox, ‘Gogglebox’ pair Steven Webb and Chris Steed, ‘Mob Wives’ cast member Renee Graziano, former ‘X Factor’ reject Chloe Mafia, and Ben Innes, best known for taking a photo with a plane hijacker on an EgyptAir plane.
It’s also been suggested former ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’ contestants Spencer Matthews and Lady Colin Campbell could take part.
‘CBB’ bosses recently teased the new series, with a spokesperson stating: “The BB House has been given a glamorous make-over for our brand new celebrity Housemates, but they shouldn’t make themselves too much at home, because despite the shiny new look of the house they must remember, all that glitters is not gold!
“The identities of the Housemates are top secret, but we can confirm there will be egos, drama, tantrums and diva strops.”
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