Emma Willis, 41, kicked off proceedings last night as the first ever all-female line-up entered the house. 

From the likes of Ann Widecombe, 70, and Amanda Barrie, 82, viewers hailed the latest cast as the best yet.

However, after 18 years as voiceover for the controversial reality series, Marcus Bentley missed his first ever episode last night. 

Taking to Twitter, Bentley broke the news to his 57,000 followers, posting: “This will the first #CBB launch I’ve watched from home! Can’t wait. 9pm Channel 5. #CBB.” 

Thankfully, he confirmed his absence was just a one-off as the Celebrity Big Brother launch was all about girl power. 

"There’s no female voiceover. Just Emma Willis presenting…. I will be back tomorrow,” he assured. 

Host Willis was ecstatic by the line-up last night, dubbing the latest series as the “year of the woman”. 

"I'm going to go on record and say I don't think I've been this excited for a series for a while,” she gushed. 

"I always love doing Big Brother but I feel like this series is going to be incredible.”

Willis added: "There is a real broad variety of women going in and they all have their own unique viewpoints on women's rights and what they think of women in the 21st century and men in the 21st century."

Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.