Three contestants from this year's 'Big Brother' are reportedly rejects from last year's series.

Marcus, Charlie and Rodrigo all auditioned for 'Big Brother' series nine - which was eventually won by school teacher Rachel Rice - but while they got as far as taking part in a trial run before the real show started, they all missed out on a place in the house.

However, producers are said to have been left stunned by the lack of interesting people auditioning for this year's series they called the trio back after they impressed during their time in the fake 'Big Brother' house.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "There was a real dearth of contestants this time. Bosses had hardly anyone to choose from."

Channel 4 bosses think many would-be contestants were put off by how quickly last year's housemates time in the limelight came to an end.

This year's series has not been the ratings winner bosses had hoped for and last week it was claimed producers were considering sending in a new housemate to spice things up.

An insider said: "We're thinking of how we can put someone in and shake the show up. The current housemates need a kick to give fans better entertainment."

It is believed there are currently 10 prospective housemates in hiding who could join the reality show at a moment's notice.