[Spike]

CELEBRITY Big Brother is making a controversial return after a year’s break — by hiring shamed comic Michael Barrymore.
The fallen funnyman will join low-rent spin-off show Big Brother’s Little Brother as a roving reporter when the series starts next month.

Barrymore — disgraced after a partygoer died in his swimming pool — came second to “fake” celebrity Chantelle Houghton in 2006.

George Lamb will be back to host the E4 show while comedian Jack Whitehall will preside over the debate on Celebrity Big Brother’s Big Mouth with a studio audience for the three-week run.

Channel 4 are keeping this year’s celeb line-up close to their chest. But George said Jeremy Kyle would be his dream pick for the house.

And Jack added: “Kerry Katona would be good. Jeremy Clarkson, I’d like to see him in there. And maybe Gordon Ramsay.”

Davina McCall returns to host the live launch night and evictions. She said: “It’s good to be back. Can’t wait.

“It’s going to be amazing!”

A race row involving Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and Jade Goody marred the last series in 2007. There were 45,000 complaints from viewers. This year’s show kicks off on January 2, 9pm on Channel 4.

The Sun