THE housemates are to get a nasty shake-up with the return of an old face and the arrival of some new ones.




BB2 winner Brian Dowling, 32, is set to make a return and a new batch of wannabes are on their way in.




Show bosses are planning to spring the two big surprises on the gang next week.




On Wednesday, the housemates will link up live to Channel 4’s Five O’Clock Show, hosted by Vernon Kay, 36. And his special guest that day will be BB2 champ and former trolley dolly Brian.




They will beam into the house at tea time and Brian will take charge of the weekly eviction twist called “save and replace”.




The contestants who have been nominated for the chop will be set a task by him.




And the winner of the live challenge will gain immunity from the axe but must pick someone else to take their place.




Then on Friday, a further shock is in store.




After the eviction, three new housemates will be sent in.




Their arrival is bound to ruffle some feathers.




Josie Gibson, 25, has already said: “I’m worried that they’ll bring in prettier girls.”




A show source said last night: “It’s going to be an explosive week.”