Walsh (71), who is rumoured to be one of the well-known figures likely to appear in the upcoming series, is backed at odds of 6/1 with Boyle Sports to be the final housemate standing.

ITV has announced that the new series is now only a few days away. AJ Odudu and Will Best, the new hosts, will unveil the new group of well-known personalities at the live debut event on Monday.

The music mogul, who was born in Mayo, has long been suspected of being a roommate.

TV executives have made every effort to conceal the identities of the new housemates, but there is a lot of rumour that the former X factor judge will be living with people like Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Dragons Den entrepreneur Levi Roots, and former This Morning host Fern Brittan.

ITV maintains that any rumours regarding the lineup are unfounded. But it's also thought that Sharon Osbourne has enrolled.

According to several UK media, Walsh demanded that his pal Osbourne appear as a requirement for agreeing to participate in the show.

"Louis Walsh has topped the rumour list for some time and if he lands in the Big Brother house next week, we reckon he'll have enough of the X Factor to go the distance," stated Lawrence Lyons, a spokesman for Boyle Sports.