Macy Gray has reportedly backed out of negotiations to be part of the new Celebrity Big Brother series.
Enthusiastic fans are on tenterhooks for the confirmed cast list ahead of the show's launch next month.
Speculation is rife with names such as soap opera favourites Patsy Palmer and Jack P Shepherd tipped to enter the celebrated abode come April 7 when the programme airs on ITV.
Rumours also swirl around ex-Love Island contestants Chris Hughes, Tommy Fury, and Mitch Taylor potentially rising to the challenge.
Nonetheless, it appears that the US singer has decided to withdraw despite seeming to be significantly involved in discussions.
I Try hitmaker Macy is said to have opted out from the anticipated line-up, although telly chiefs were reportedly eager to secure her participation.
A source revealed to The Sun: "Macy's fury at being voted out as Toad In The Hole earlier this year was such a talking point and bosses thought she would also make a great housemate.", reports the Mirror.
"She had appeared ready to change perceptions after The Masked Singer upset but eventually chose not to proceed."
A representative for ITV said: "Any names suggested for Celebrity Big Brother are purely speculation."
Macy previously caused quite the stir after being booted from The Masked Singer earlier this year.
Fans of the ITV show were gobsmacked when the iconic US performer was disclosed as Toad In The Hole.
However, the situation took an awkward turn when the star seemingly declined to remove her mask. Viewers watched as she exited the stage following the panel's decision to save Bear in the final vote.
Host Joel Dommett was visibly taken aback by her actions. The panel, comprising Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and guest judge Suranne Jones, were equally stunned.
Shortly after, Macy returned to the stage to reveal her identity, though she appeared less than pleased about her departure from the reality show.
A source at the time suggested that Macy was simply caught off guard by being one of the first to exit the show, especially after making it to the finals of the US version as Sea Queen in 2023.
The insider revealed that she was initially "almost shellshocked to start with" and quickly became "gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version".
Speaking to The Sun, the source explained: "It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out.
"For a professional performer to reach that point shows how badly she felt."
The insider also mentioned that it took some time for those backstage to persuade her to return to the stage.
Celebrity Big Brother returns on Monday, April 7 at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
English (United States) ·