Boxing champ takes on Big Brother

The Channel 5 show, hosted by Emma Willis, is using 45 cameras to spy on the latest batch of housemates.

This year’s batch of recruits includes former N-Dubz star Dappy, US boxer Evander Holyfield – the four time world champion – and Apprentice reject Luisa Zissman.

Other reality TV veterans taking part in the latest series of the show include Sam Faiers from The Only Way Is Essex and Made In Chelsea’s Ollie Locke.

They were last night joined by journalist Liz Jones, singers Lee Ryan and Linda Nolan and 82-year-old entertainer Lionel Blair.

Also in the house are comic Jim Davidson, glamour model Casey Batchelor and US actress Jasmine Waltz.

The producers have promised the contestants “a sumptuous and ostentatious palace” that is “swathed in luxury”.

However, they have also warned that anyone caught breaking the rules could be banished to the garden prison.

The show has been a hit for the channel since it took it over after it was dropped by Channel 4 and has contributed to its success which has led to reports that media mogul Richard Desmond is considering putting the channel up for sale.

It has been suggested that Mr Desmond could be ready to part with the channel he bought in 2010 for around £103.5m from German firm RTL if he can secure an offer of £700m.