[James]

Latest rumoured celebs... Gary Coleman, Carol Lee Scott, Clare Short, Jennifer Ellison, Michaela Strachan, Jo Guest, Lee Latchford Evans and Stephen Gately.

As well as Boris Johnson and David Hasselhoff.

BB’s Strokes of genius

BIG Brother chiefs are after stars from the 1980s for their celeb series in January.

Diff’rent Strokes’ Gary Coleman and children’s comic hate figure Grotbags are top of their list.

Gary, now 38, shot to fame as Arnold Jackson in the hit US sitcom – with the catchphrase “Watchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

Now he’s set for a small-screen comeback to delight his British fans.

Joining him is Carol Lee Scott, 64, who played green witch Grotbags in Rod Hull and Emu’s All Live Pink Windmill Show.

Last night a CBB insider said:“These two are heroes to millions – they will be brilliant in the house.”

Top executives at show makers Endemol are also upping their political content following the success of contestant George Galloway last year.

They have already signed up Conservative MP Boris Johnson,42,and now want to get former Labour front bencher Clare Short, 60, on board.

Exciting

A show source said: “Half the names have now been signed up and the ‘most wanted’ list is very exciting.

“It will be fascinating if they can get everyone they want. It would be a ratings smash.”

David Hasselhoff has finally decided to go on Celeb Big Brother.

This is after a tug-of-war battle with I’m A Celeb bosses that only ended when Channel 4 upped their offer.

And the show could also have three blonde babes– actress Jennifer Ellison, 23, TV host Michaela Strachan, 40, and ex-pin up Jo Guest, 34.

Other names thought to be in the frame are Lee Latchford Evans, 31, from Steps and former Boyzone star Stephen Gately, 30.

dailystar.co.uk