ITV 'bags' major US pop star for Celebrity Big Brother ahead of next week's launch
American pop star and social media sensation JoJo Siwa is reportedly joining the CBB line-up
ITV has reportedly signed US popstar JoJo Siwa for the upcoming Celebrity Big Brother series. JoJo, shortened from Joelle Joanie, rose to fame after she appeared on the fourth season of Lifetime Network's competition show Dance Moms back in 2015. The star, who was just nine years old at the time, stood out for her enthusiastic attitude and her vibrant signature bows.
Now at 21 years old, JoJo has become well-known for her animated personality and eccentric style as well as her music debut. An insider has since revealed that JoJo, who has amassed over 11 million followers on Instagram, has been bagged by ITV and is set to join the CBB line-up.
“JoJo is a big name among the highly-coveted younger audience and brings with her a big US fan base," a source told The Sun. “She’s one of those names that regular ITV viewers might not know - but certainly will do by the end of the ITV series. Everyone is excited and hope to get the deal over the line.”
The singer and dancer successfully launched her music career with her 2024 single, Karma. For the single, Jojo ditched her signature 'childlike' appearance for a more grunge, punk rock look. In April, Karma ranked 76 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
Throughout her career, JoJo has dealt with trolls constantly telling her to grow up. But JoJo, hitting back, said that she isn't ready to put an end to the kidding around any time soon.
In a TikTok video, she wrote: "Recently I’ve shown myself looking different, not the classic rainbow, sparkles, and a side ponytail with a JoJo bow. I’ve been hated on for YEARS for dressing “Young” and acting “Childish”.
"People think this is me changing - NOPE! I just love who I am! this is just me at night or in the morning!’"
The Karma singer also spoke to Metro about her trademark look. She said: "I think as I grow older, my fans will also grow older but I don’t think there’s going to be a time when I’m like, “I don’t want to wear bows anymore, I’ve got to dress like an old person instead.
"I don’t think it has an age limit on it. I mean, Halloween doesn’t have an age limit on it. Wearing a hoodie doesn’t have an age limit on it. Why would wearing a bow have an age limit on it?"
Just earlier this year, JoJo came under fire over a ‘tone deaf’ video she made during the LA wildfires .
In a now-deleted Instagram video shared by her girlfriend Kath Ebbs, JoJo was seen packing up belongings in case she had to evacuate her home, however the star’s ‘essential’ items left her social media followers disgruntled.
In the clip, seen by MailOnline, Jojo was seen packing up expensive clothing should she have to flee due to the wildfires. Kath explained in the clip that they’d been warned on Wednesday that they might have to leave her partner’s sprawling Tarzana mansion.
Uploading a series of videos on social media, Kath began: “Things my girlfriend packed in case of a fire evacuation.” JoJo was seen packing expensive and bedazzled items as she quipped: “What else do you need?”
JoJo added: “I have all my legal documents. I'm going to fill the car up with my favourite things.” Fans were quick to hit out at JoJo, with one writing: “This is so tone deaf.” Another echoed: “What about all the people who are losing their homes, family, pets and belongings? What about wildlife? Why post this?”
Other comments included: “We care about the people who don't have the money to rebuild their lives after the fires,” and “I think there are more important things to talk about.”
Celebrity Big Brother is set to launch on April 7 on ITV1.
The Mirror has contacted Jojo's representatives for comment.
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