The upcoming new series of Big Brother will feature a blind contestant, according to reports.

The ninth series of the hit Channel 4 reality TV show begins on Thursday, and producers have gone out of their way to make the programme suitable for the new contestant.

A source tells The People, “BB is ready to take a blind person into the house.

"Everything possible has been done to make sure the person settles in and is not sidelined. The house has been designed in an accessible way.

"Bosses plan to do everything in their power to make sure the person's stay is comfortable and enjoyable."

Spokeswoman for RNIB Ciara Smyth welcomed the report, saying, "I think having somebody blind or partially sighted on Big Brother could be really positive in terms of changing people's attitudes to blindness."