Celebrity Big Brother 2016 cast: Danniella Westbrook not at war with Stephanie Davies ahead of launch

Celebrity Big Brother fans expecting to see a clash between soap stars Danniella Westbrook and Stephanie Davies will be disappointed to learn that the former EastEnders star will not be appearing in the new series of the reality show.

Westbrook and alleged rival Davies were among the famous names – including Scott Disick and Ola Jordan – who had been linked to the show, which kicks off on 5 January. A source told the Daily Star that there were bound to be fireworks between the pair as they had taken a strong disliking to each other when they appeared on Hollyoaks together in 2013.

"There was definitely a personality clash," the insider said. "They couldn't stand the sight of each other and Steph was glad when Danniella left. With both of them locked up together for a month there are going to be fireworks."

Another source added that producers were keen to sign up the pair because for some controversy. "No one wants a dull house. No one wants to see a bunch of celebrities sitting around talking rubbish. They want drama."

But despite the reports, a spokesperson for Westbrook told OK! Online that she would not be going into the Big brother house. "She is filming a feature film in a leading right now. That takes her through to end of February," the rep said.

Westbrook, whose nasal septum famously collapsed as a result of her cocaine addiction, was previously linked to the show in December 2014 when it was reported that she was relying on the £100,000 pay day from the Channel 5 reality show to save her from financial ruin. She has been living on hand-outs after falling on hard times. "Danniella sees Celebrity Big Brother as her only option now. She hates to leave her kids, but she needs cash... and fast," a source said at the time.

In April, the embattled actress, who rose to fame playing Peggy Mitchell's loudmouth daughter Sam Mitchell in EastEnders, was axed from Hollyoaks, where she was cast after being offered her a lifeline in her wake of her bankruptcy.

A Hollyoaks spokesperson confirmed that the 42-year-old star, who originally played former jailbird Trudy for 16 episodes before leaving the show in 2013, would not appear in upcoming episodes after she "breached her contract".

Davies, who played Sinead O'Connor was axed from the soap, was also axed in July after turning up to work late and drunk.