Big Brother season premiere: the top-rating reality television series is back on its 14 edition.

Although the Big Brother season 14 is set to premiere on CBS on July 12, the houseguest (well, most of them) have already entered the house and begun the battle for the half-million dollar prize.

According to a press release from producers Endemol USA and Fly on the Wall Entertainment, a total of sixteen Houseguests will compete this season, the same number of Houseguests competing in Big Brother 9.

Twelve houseguests were revealed today while the four returning Houseguests shall be revealed during the season premiere on July 12. An original twelfth Houseguest revealed on the TV spot last July 5–Mike–was pulled off the final casting list for unknown reasons and was replaced by Joe.

The 12 Houseguests are:

Ashley Iocco, 26, Entrepreneur, California
Danielle Murphree, 23, Nurse, Alabama
Frank Eudy, 28 Unemployed, Florida
Ian Terry, 21, Engineering Student, Louisiana
Jenn Arroyo, 37, Musician, New York
Jodi Rollins, 42, Restaurant Waitress, California
Joe Arvin, 41, Chef, Indiana
JoJo Spatafora, 26, Bartender, New York
Kara Monaco, 29, Model, California
Shane Meaney, 26, House Flipper, Vermont
Wil Heuser, 24, Marketing Consultant, Kentucky
Willie Hantz, 34, Tankerman, Texas

There are rumors that the 4 veterans who are returning on the show will act as mentors to the 12 houseguests. According to the grapevine, these veterans are Janelle Pierzina (seasons six and seven), Mike “Boogie” Malin (seasons two and seven – winner) and Dan Gheesling (season 10 winner), and Rachel Reilly (seasons 12 and 13 – winner).

Images courtesy of CBS