Celebrity Big Brother show in crisis three days before launch

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They are said to be worried that the chosen celebrities are too outlandish while the "gifted young" housemates may be too boring.

The show - a replacement for controversial Celebrity Big Brother – sees twelve youngsters who all have a special talent, competing for £50,000.

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Crisis: Celebrity Hijack host Dermot O'Leary

The celebrities, rumoured to include the likes of Joan Rivers, Ian Wright and Matt Lucas, will take on the role of Big Brother and control the housemates.

Producers were hoping that the gifted housemates would become the real stars of Celebrity Hijack which will be hosted by Dermot O'Leary, however a series of trials with "guinea pigs" proved to be disastrous as the celebrities were far more entertaining.

The problems began when bosses took their attempts to "dull down" the reality TV special to avoid a repeat of the Celebrity Big Brother race row a step too far.

The show's makers are now desperately attempting to liven up the show ahead of its launch this week.

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Little Britain star Matt Lucas and comedian Jimmy Carr (right) are expected to appear on the show

They have reportedly even considered "gagging" the celebrities in a bid to stop them from stealing the limelight.

A source said: "Basically the problem was the celebrities totally out-shone and overshadowed the contestants.

"They were much more entertaining than the housemates. Now there are some very worried people around.

"Would you rather see and listen to the likes of Jimmy Carr and Matt Lucas or a young unknown who's good at chess or plays the violin?

"Staff will work around the clock tweaking the show to make sure it works well."

Bosses are now thought to be considering sending the stars into the house in a last-ditch attempt to save the show.

A Channel 4 spokesman said last night: "There's no panic – the show will be brilliant."