The latest overseas star to be offered an impressive sum to join in the fun-for-all-the-family capers ‘n’ carry-on in the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ house is, reportedly, former 'Partridge Family' star David Cassidy.
The Sunday People claims that Channel 5 execs have offered David £100,000 to join the next series, set to begin in a couple of weeks.
Some may see this as a cynical casting decision, with producers hoping he’ll kick off as he gave an interview to Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford for ‘This Morning’ last September, and appeared puffy and out of sorts, as he was asked about his bankruptcy.
The newspaper uses the phrase “human grenade”, adding: “TV bosses want him to go in there like a human grenade and say what he thinks.
“He is renowned for his straight-talking.”
Well, that’s one way of putting it. During his interview with Eamonn and Ruth, he took exception to the line of questioning and became increasingly irascible, live on air, eventually asking Eamonn, “Are you trying to rubbish me?”
The money on offer may be tempting for the star, however. Since being one of the most recognisable and popular faces in the world throughout the 1970s - think, Bieber x 20 - David has struggled in recent years with divorce, bankruptcy and alcohol problems, leading to three arrests for drink-driving.
Other big names being touted for the new series include Anthea Turner’s ex-husband Grant Bovey, former pin-up and singer Samantha Fox, and former ‘X Factor’ judge Tulisa Contostavlos.
Tap the first picture below to open our slideshow for more potential housemates: