ITV eyeing Rebekah Vardy, Louis Walsh and Sarah Ferguson for Celebrity Big Brother reboot

ITV is said to be eyeing big names to make sure the upcoming Celebrity Big Brother reboot is a success.

The show, which previously aired on Channel 4 and the Channel 5, will launch for the first time on ITV in March with a prime-time slot.

Names that have already been touted as possible contestants include controversial Wag Rebekah Vardy and Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson, Duchess of York.

X Factor judge Louis Walsh is also believed to be a contender, which is sure to leave his ex colleagues such as Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne squirming as to what secrets he could spill.

Irish Walsh is also a music manager and has previously managed acts including Boyzone, Jedward, Westlife and Shayne Ward.

A TV insider reportedly told The Sun: "The team behind the programme are being clever about the kind of celebs they’re considering.

"They don’t just want big names in there — they want stars who will bring something truly intriguing."

Acknowledging that ITV may have to "splash some cash" to get the people that they want, the source said: "It's a worthwhile investment."

They added: "They want this to be on a par with I’m A Celebrity, which has a similarly claustrophobic environment involving celebrities completing strange challenges under the glare of the public eye."

Big Brother returned to screens last year after a five-year absence, fronted by Aj Odudu and Will Best.

Both Odudu and Best will return for the celebrity version. No housemates have been confirmed as yet.

The Standard has contacted a representative for Celebrity Big Brother for comment.