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Denise van Outen and Charlotte Crosby ‘to star in The Circle’

Denise van Outen and Charlotte Crosby are set to appear in a celebrity version of ‘The Circle’.

The ‘Neighbours’ actress and the ‘Geordie Shore’ star are expected to be joined on the Channel 4 show – which is hosted by Emma Willis – by YouTuber Saffron Barker, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ star Baga Chipz, and TV presenter Nadia Sawalha.

A TV insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "The creators wanted to really mix things up for the first celeb-only version, and they really feel they’ve achieved that with these signings.

"It just goes to prove how the show has grown in popularity, particularly among younger viewers."

The first-ever celebrity version of the show will air next year as part of Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer charity campaign.

It will have the same premise as the civilian show, which sees contestants living in their own flat within the same block and they can only communicate via a social media platform with the choice of using their real identity or fake profile.

Last year’s series saw former ‘This Morning’ host Richard Madeley take part as a 27-year-old woman called Judy – in a nod to his wife Judy Finnigan – before he was blocked by the other players, and he shocked contestant Georgina by revealing his true identity.

In June, it was confirmed ‘The Circle’ is officially returning for a third series and that there will be a celebrity special, with host Emma Willis returning along with narrator Sophie Willan.

Emma said: "’The Circle’ is just brilliant, unmissable television.

"I loved every minute of being a part of it and I’m delighted to be returning to it for another series where I’ll be right at the centre of all the mischief and drama!"

On the celeb edition, Emma added she "can’t wait to see who’ll be in the line-up and whether they’ll play as themselves or as another celebrity – it’s going to be incredible."