Celebrity Big Brother launched in January with 16 stars entering the famous house – the biggest group since the show began in 2001.

This series will be remembered as one of the most fractious, with tempers fraying on a near daily basis and three voluntary exits.

Jonathan Cheban, the American businessman and friend of Kim Kardashian West, walked out after a week citing fears for his “mental stability”.

Gemma Collins and Jonathan Cheban in Celebrity Big Brother
Gemma Collins and Cheban in Celebrity Big Brother (Channel 5)

Illness forced both David Gest, ex-husband of Liza Minnelli, and Angie Bowie, the former wife of late rock star David Bowie, to quit.

The final will see bookies’ favourite Tiffany Pollard, a US reality TV star, battle it out for the Celebrity Big Brother crown with Ex On The Beach’s Scotty T and musical theatre star Darren Day.

Ex-soap actors Danniella Westbrook, Stephanie Davis and John Partridge round off the finalists.

Danniella Westbrook in the diary room
Westbrook in the diary room (Channel 5)

As the clock ticks down on this winter’s instalment, here are five of its biggest talking points:

1. The David Bowie/David Gest mix-up

Angie Bowie in the diary room
Angie Bowie in the diary room (Channel 5)

Bowie was told off-screen about the death of her former spouse from cancer.

Initially she decided to keep the news quiet, but the 66-year-old confided in Pollard: “You’ve got to do me a favour,” she said. “You can’t say a word. David’s dead.”

The US reality star began screaming and the house descended into chaos.

Tiffany was distraught
Pollard was distraught (Channel 5)

Pollard thought the “David” who had died was fellow house mate Gest, as he had been feeling unwell, rather than the Life On Mars singer.

A hysterical Pollard told her stunned house mates, who were upset – and then confused when they checked on Gest and realised he was very much alive.

Bowie had to clarify: “Not that David. My ex-husband,” she said.

2. The love triangle

Ex-Hollyoaks star Davis has developed feelings for former Mr Ireland finalist Jeremy McConnell, despite having boyfriend Sam Reece on the outside of the house.

Viewers watched as the enamoured couple shared hugs and kisses and exchanged endearments. They even got intimate beneath the covers, although both denied sex took place.

But they made so much noise in bed, other house mates were forced to leave the bedroom.

Stephanie and Jeremy have been getting cosy in bed
Davis and McConnell got cosy in bed (Channel 5)

When McConnell was announced as the sixth person to be evicted, he gave Davis his locket. She reiterated her professions of love and since his departure from the Channel 5 reality series, McConnell has met her father.

3. Winston McKenzie sparked complaints

Former Ukip spokesman McKenzie was the first to be evicted after a stay of just four days.

During his short stay, he received a warning from Big Brother for unacceptable language and behaviour regarding his manner towards women in the house.

Winston McKenzie did not endear himself to the public
McKenzie did not endear himself to the public (Channel 5)

Later, in the middle of a task, McKenzie admitted describing adoption by gay couples as “child abuse”.

In his entry video, the London mayoral candidate had said he would “cope with a homosexual” house mate by “standing against a brick wall the whole time”.

The former boxer was booed by the crowd as he both entered and exited the house.

His comments sparked more than 400 complaints to Ofcom.

4. Megan McKenna lost it

The shopping task divided house mates into puppets and puppet masters, and it infuriated Ex On The Beach’s McKenna.

The 23-year-old had been tasked to living life as a puppet on basic rations. She ended up shouting and ranting in the diary room after a day of being fed food such as a preserved century egg – which was nearly as old as it sounds – and Spam and instant mash.

Megan McKenna CBB
McKenna really wasn’t impressed (Channel 5)

“It’s not fair, this is not a game,” she cried. “I’m actually hungry. I can’t eat that disgusting s***! I ate the century egg for the team. It’s not fair.”

McKenna’s meltdown turned physical and show producers had to call on security to restrain her, and Big Brother gave her a formal warning for unacceptable behaviour.

5. Strictly the patter of tiny feet

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff announced her pregnancy inside the Big Brother house.

The happy news from the Russian-born dancer, who was almost three months’ pregnant at the time, was met with cheers.

Kristina Rihanoff
Kristina Rihanoff (Ian West/PA)

The 38-year-old said: “My boyfriend and I are going to have a little one.”

Rihanoff is in a relationship with her former Strictly partner Ben Cohen, and it will be their first child together.

The Celebrity Big Brother final is broadcast at 9pm on Channel 5