Good Morning Britain star reveals he was approached for CBB – and why he turned it down
He discussed how he almost ended up on the show in the clip above
A GOOD Morning Britain star has revealed he was approached by Celebrity Big Brother – but turned the show down.
Discussing the series opener on today’s show, presenter Susanna Reid dropped the bomb that entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold almost ended up on the show.
She said: “I found out yesterday, I heard you on a podcast say that you were approached to go in.”
Richard replied: “There was a conversation, a letter, an approach.”
Susanna’s co-host Richard Madeley asked: “Well why didn’t you do it?”
As a cha-ching sound effect played in the background, suggesting it was down to pay, Richard laughed and said: “Sharon Osbourne, five hundred grand. A tenner for TV’s Richard Arnold!”
After Susanna told Richard he’d be “brilliant” on the show, Richard said: “I don’t know if I’d want to open the book that far, to be honest.”
The Celebrity Big Brother reboot kicked off on ITV last night, with the likes of X Factor stars Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne entering the famous house.
And the new housemates didn’t disappoint, with Louis taking a swipe at Ibiza Weekender star David Potts and Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu having a cheeky dig at recent ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
Richard recently paid tribute to his former GMB co-star Ben Shephard as he left the show to host This Morning alongside Cat Deeley.
Alongside a montage of throwback snaps, he wrote: “For 24 years it’s been early to bed… and early to rise for me alongside this one serving bawd and banter for breakfast @itv – almost a quarter century raising a titter with a cheeky twinkle over the nation’s snap crackle and pop.
“@benshephardofficial you are the greatest wingman, on air and off, a consummate pro and the most loyal of pals.”
Celebrity Big Brother line-up
So who are the 13 stars expected to appear in the Celebrity Big Brother house? The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look...
Sharon Osbourne – TV legend – who is thought to be on a megabucks deal – said she was doing the show for “a good time not a long time”
Louis Walsh – Irish boyband manager who has never knowingly backed down from a fight. Sure to be a huge presence in the house.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu – We know from Love Island, the Ek-ster is not above throwing about some dramatics to claw her way to the final.
Levi Roots – Reggae Reggae Sauce sauce packs a bit of a kick, but its inventor seems quite mild-mannered. Will that change under pressure?
Fern Britton – The former This Morning star called out Phillip Schofield – don’t think she won’t do the same to anyone who tangles with her.
Colson Smith – You’ll probably know him best as Corrie’s Craig Tinker – but prepare to find out he’s not much like his character.
David Potts – Ibiza Weekender’s breakout star is sure to bring a bit of the party isle to the house… but will people appreciate it?
Gary Goldsmith – Kate Middleton’s uncle is a big signing for ITV, but very much an unknown quantity among viewers.
Marisha Wallace – Top Broadway star may fill the brief of ‘American who doesn’t know what they’ve let themselves in for’.
Nikita Kuzmin – The Strictly pro is coming onto the show fresh off the show’s tour. Poor lad probably just wants a rest.
Zeze Mills – the social media star has a “no holds barred interview style” – which is just what we need in there.
Bradley Riches – The actor played sweet James McEwan in Netflix hit Heartstopper. We’ll soon find out what he’s really like.
Lauren Simon – She’s a Real Housewives of Cheshire star and you don’t get on that show by being shy and retiring.
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