Celebrity big brother to be axed after launch night ratings bombshell?

However the format shake-up seems to have failed to impress viewers at home with Tuesday night’s launch reportedly pulling in the lowest-ever January ratings.  The launch night is said to

have attracted a mere 2.1 million viewers and now bookmakers are confident the current run could be the show’s last.  Bookies have claimed that it “doesn’t look good” for the Channel 5

series following the latest figures.  “With viewing figures for this year’s opened down 1.5 million from five years ago, we could be saying goodbye to the Diary Room very soon,” a

spokesperson for Paddy Power noted.  “The final eviction of this year’s show might just be Channel 5 giving Celebrity Big Brother the boot.  “The firm is even offering odds of 8/1 for the

channel to axe the show at the conclusion of the series, as Channel 4 did in 2010.” Fortunately for Channel 5 viewing could be set to increase when the male celebrities enter the Borehamwood

Bungalow tonight.  Footballer John Barnes, Love Island star Jonny Mitchell and singer Shane Lynch are among those poised to star on the reality series.  Tonight’s instalment will also see

Amanda Barrie clash with India Willoughby after the former called the presenter a man.  The 82-year-old referred to India as “he” for the second time, which left the 51-year-old fuming and

refusing to accept the actress’ apology.  _CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER AIRS TONIGHT ON CHANNEL 5 AT 9PM AND 10.30PM. _