[BigSister]

YOU know darn well we're keeping mum about BB4, but that hasn't stopped die-hard fans populating the BB4 forum with rumours of gender bending, a distinct lack of kitchen implements and attractive ladies...

Weeks before Big Brother launches, the fans are out in force, populating the official forum with rumours of gender-bending, a distinct lack of kitchen implements and attractive ladies...

It seems that pinpointing the identities of those set to occupy the Big Brother House is causing some commotion among fans of the show, many of who have been whiling away the days in the lead up to launch by speculating on the rumours currently doing the rounds.

That one of the soon-to-be-housemates is a transsexual seems to be one of the hottest tips of the day, and while some seem quite keen on the idea, others make no bones about their apprehension:

"I saw (a) programme on Channel 4 about transsexuals and found it interesting. However, I don't think the country is ready for a transsexual to be in a prominent place on TV," says one forum user. Hmm, we'll leave you to make up your own minds about that one...

Others are of the impression that this year's twelve housemates will consist of six couples, a subject on which one forum user (who goes by the pseudonym 'Diary Room Chair') is keen to express their disgust: "Big Brother couples? How dull would that be? They'd all just be all... coupley and stuff." Quite.

Even more startling 'revelations' than these can be found on the BB4 forum, not least of which is the firm belief held by one user - Jscouser2002 - that there will be one or two surprises in store for this year's housemates: "I believe there will be a big twist in this year's Big Bro. Don't know what but somefing." Genius.

An apparent lack of essential kitchen implements is causing quite some concern among a few forum fans. "Is it me but when I look at the kitchen pic I can't see an oven or a microwave and the kitchen don't look big enough," worries Madman01.

Others hold the opposite opinion - that the dozen housemates shouldn't be given any modcons at all. "It makes it too easy. Am I right in thinking that in BB1 they didn't have a kettle and had to boil everything in a pan?" asks Little_brother.

On to more important matters, one forum thread focuses on the likelihood of any 'Eye candy' taking up residency in the Big Brother House. One conspiracy theorist reckons he's got it all figured out on that score:

"Usually every year there is one lady that may not be attractive when she goes in but well attractive when she comes out...maybe it's just me?" he wonders.

Will we confirm or deny any of these rumours? Will we hell as like. Roll on May 23...