FORMER Big Brother stars will compete to be crowned Ultimate Champion when this year's series ends, TV Biz can reveal.
The winner of BB11 will immediately be joined by about a dozen former housemates - including some from the celebrity version - for the two-week series.
It will include the Channel 4 show's most colourful characters, not just winners.
The "best of the best" - set to include winners Nadia Almada and Brian Dowling - will live together and complete tasks before being evicted by viewers.
At the end of the show, hosted by Davina McCall, the public will vote for their Ultimate Champion.
Show boss Phil Edgar-Jones told TV Biz: "It's a bittersweet moment with Big Brother ending, but the Ultimate Champion will ensure we end on a high.
"As well as finding fans' favourite housemate, it will also be a trip down memory lane as they discuss experiences in the house.
"It will be a nostalgic treat for people who love the show and remind us why it was so great."
Phil said he had not approached any stars yet - but would start calling tomorrow.
(Cameron, stand by your phone!)He said: "Some old faces have been asking for weeks if we're bringing them back, saying they want in. Billi Bhatti and Nikki Grahame have both been asking."
Phil said his favourites included Nadia, Nikki, Brian Dowling and Brian Belo. He added: "I love Jade Goody."
Phil said he wasn't worried that some of the former contestants might be busy, joking: "I think we'll take that risk."
A TV Biz poll found that Rachel Rice was one of the most popular contestants.
In its heyday, Big Brother - the 11th series of which begins tonight - won viewing figures of eight million.
But last year's series slumped to its lowest haul ever, with some nights pulling in less than two million viewers.
Phil joked: "I'm not worried about ratings. Let's face it, they can't axe it again, can they?"
Fans will this year be able to watch the action round the clock.
But bosses will charge for access to live streaming.
The Sun
