[Cal.]

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/big-b...-5-Emma-Willis

Now we can reveal they have been repeatedly tapping up exes of former contestants to offer them a shot at Z-list stardom.

Both Bernardo Belmar and Josh Watson, who briefly entered the camera-filled house in 2016 as exes of Laura Carter and DJ Emma Jensen retrospectively, have been asked to take part in next month's series.

A TV source told Daily Star Online: "Producers contacted Bernardo earlier this summer.

"In 2016 he had been lined-up as a main housemate but issues with his visa prevented plans from going ahead so he only took part in a task with Laura Carter.

"Bosses now want him to go into the house as a fully-fledged housemate for the 2018 civilian series.