After a tumultuous 2013 that saw them catapulted to international notoriety, things had calmed down for a bit for the so-called ‘Peru Two’.

Now, though, the names Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid have cropped up once again - but why?

Who are the ‘Peru Two’?

Michaella McCollum, from Belfast, and Melissa Reid, from Lenzie near Glasgow, were arrested on 6 August 2013 for drug smuggling at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

Their luggage was found to contain 24lb (11kg) of cocaine worth £1.5 million.

Glasgow Times:

They were only 20-years-old at the time, and were dubbed the ‘Peru Two’ by the press after the incident became breaking news across the UK, Ireland, and in other parts of Europe.

Did they do jail time?

In the days after they were caught at the airport, it was reported they could face up to 25 years in some of world’s toughest jails.

In reality, both women were jailed for six years and eight months after admitting to the crime, but were freed last year after striking a deal with Peruvian authorities.

Why are they back making headlines?

Now both 24, it’s actually more McCollum than Reid who’s thrust herself into the media spotlight by taking part in several staged photo ops which have been published by several national newspapers.

But the thing that’s had people debating is the fact there’s a book deal and Big Brother appearance lined up.

A Big Brother deal?!

That’s right. According to The Sun, a source close to McCollum revealed how she has been very eager to “build up her profile and her image.”

Glasgow Times:

The source told the newspaper: “Big Brother producers have been chatting to her about getting her on the next series of the show, which is a pairs theme.

“Her accomplice, Melissa, is less excited by the whole showbiz world but - because of the theme - producers think they would be the ideal signing.”

The new theme is a first for the reality TV show in which producers have been seeking applications from two people, be they partners, friends, or relatives.

How has that been received by the public?

Not very well. The Evening Times put a poll to readers asking if they would tune in to watch both women on the popular reality show should they enter. Currently, from the 2,353 people who have taken part, a massive 85% responded ‘no’.

Reader comments also included: “They have caused their families enough embarrassment and hurt. They should be sorting their lives out, not trying to be famous. Should have gotten a longer jail sentence.”

Another reader said: “Are you f*****g kidding me? Sad thing is they will get the spots on TV. Folk may deserve a second chance - but making them in any way shape or form a ‘celebrity’ is shameful.”

Ouch.

Is there really a book deal as well?

Again, according to The Sun, McCollum has been offered £250,000 to tell all about her time in jail in a book. Negotiations are apparently all but complete for the deal which would be the first time she would get her entire side of the story out.

An LA-based social media guru for celebrities also came forward to reveal how McCollum is likely to “definitely earn a decent amount of money.”

Glasgow Times:

He told The Sun networks and publishers “pay close attention” for opportunities to “leverage people’s attention,” adding: “He said: “I think it’s interesting that she’s been building a brand since the day she was named part of the ‘Peru Two’ - that’s a brand.

“Michaella’s focus now is likely on drumming up attention to stay on our radar.”

What about this crime show?

Just three day ago, it was revealed, somewhat ironically, that McCollum will front a new TV crime series which will see her explore drug dealing in the city of Liverpool.

The presenting gig will see her receive a six-figure sum, reports the Daily Record.

Where is Reid in all this?

Reid has kept a much lower profile than her pal, but The Sun reports that she was apparently recently spotted getting comfortable with a new man in Edinburgh weeks after being freed from jail.