Geri Horner lands her first major TV presenting role with the BBC after leaving Spice Girls reunion in tatters
THE SPICE GIRLS reunion is in tatters after GERI HORNER pulled out to focus on her pregnancy, as I revealed on Saturday.
But her decision means we will actually be seeing more of her — on the telly at least.
While Ginger Spice has been consigned to the history books for now, Geri has secretly been hard at work reinventing herself as a TV host and has already landed her first major presenting role.
She will front a nostalgic pop culture documentary for the BBC later this year and is hoping it will lead to even more opportunities once she’s had her second child.
A source said: “Geri was in the most iconic girl group in history so the BBC were thrilled to get her on board.
“She’s already filmed the one-off music programme, which features her talking about her Nineties influence.
“It’s great news for her, as she wants to build up her portfolio with classy programmes.
“Her previous telly work has included guest appearances on the X Factor in 2010 and 2012, which didn’t turn out too well. She feels like that’s beneath her now.
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“Her baby is due later this year but working in telly will be great for her to pick and choose the opportunities which come her way.”
The exciting career move confirms her aspirations to get into hosting, four months after The Sun revealed the keen baker was a surprise frontrunner to present the Great British Bake Off when it begins on Channel 4.
Thankfully, though, it doesn’t mean she’s turning her back on making her own music.
On Sunday night she shared a photo of herself in the studio on Instagram, and I’m told she’s still recording new songs.
Her first solo album in 11 years leaked online last year.
Let’s hope her new tunes don’t go the same way.
A double Take (That)
GARY BARLOW had to awkwardly deal with his impersonator on last weekend’s Let It Shine.
And my exclusive picture shows that he will be faced with a tribute singer this week of pal and former bandmate ROBBIE WILLIAMS.
Dan Budd performs Robbie’s hit No Regrets in front of Gary, MARTIN KEMP, DANNII MINOGUE and AMBER RILEY for a chance to be in the Take That musical.
Gary joked: “You look like a friend of mine. I’m scared to ask what you do for a living.” He might be an actor in a hit musical soon.
Beeb hunt for a live formula
SATURDAY Night Live is one of the most-watched shows in the US.
It may have been on air for 42 years but recent skits of ALEC BALDWIN as President-elect DONALD TRUMP prove SNL is still a hit with viewers.
Now BBC chiefs have commissioned three pilot shows in a bid to replicate the format’s success.
That’s It For The Week, That Thing On Friday Night and Live From White City are all vying for the weekly slot.
ROMESH RANGANATHAN is attached as host for two of the projects, while fellow comics KATHERINE RYAN and JOE LYCETT are also in the frame.
A source revealed: “Finding a British show in the same vein as Saturday Night Live has been an ambition for a long time – but executives are confident the right format could prove a huge success.
“The three shortlisted are all offerings from well-respected production companies. That Thing On Friday Night is made by Hat Trick who make Have I Got News For You.
“SACHA BARON COHEN’s company Spelthorne have come up with That’s It For The Week, and Princess Productions who make Sunday Brunch are behind Live From White City – so there are a lot of big TV names involved.
“There’s every chance of success.”
Katie and Ben are a ride pair
KATIE PRICE is used to having glamorous Loose Women panelists ANDREA McLEAN and AYDA FIELD by her side.
But in one of telly’s most unlikely pairings, the former glamour girl will soon be joining forces with gritty adventurer BEN FOGLE.
The unlikely pair met while filming Channel 5 show Lip Sync Battle UK and in a move as bonkers as this double act, they will now work together on an equestrian project.
Ben teased: “It’ll be for a one-off show, maybe horse riding is what it involves . . . ”
The Countrywise presenter added: “I really enjoyed spending time with Katie.
“We have plans for a little adventure, so watch this space in 2017.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to pull off the pink army camo – we’ll see.”
I don’t think you’ll have much choice in the matter, Ben.
Bizbit
CHANNEL 4 is delving into the lives of ten newlyweds to see what life is really like after they say “I do”.
Set in the UK’s wedding capital of the London Borough of Brent, the documentary aims to discover whether it really is happily ever after.
Osman's moving on up
RICHARD OSMAN had a taste of hosting a ratings winner when he swapped roles with ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG for the 1,000th episode of Pointless.
And now I can reveal he is set to take the reins in new prime-time entertainment show Buy It Now, created by the people behind Gogglebox. The format gets the audience to judge new products yet to hit the shelves based on the creator’s Dragon’s Den-style pitch.
A source said: “Viewers love Richard and he will be the perfect host for the show. There’s bound to be some exciting gadgets and some real comedy ones on there. It’s not got a TV channel confirmed yet, but several are interested.”
I don’t think Apple will be worried.
Soapbox
MICK gives Aunt Babe an ultimatum in tonight’s EASTENDERS.
The pub landlord has had enough of her scheming and warns her that she’s out if she messes up one more time.
It comes after Tina catches her trying to sabotage the café, days after she served alcohol outside of licensing hours.
In EMMERDALE time is running out for Rakesh.
Ronnie tells Nicola that she knows he deliberately started the fire at Mill Cottage.
And it looks like she could go to the police.
Meanwhile, Rhona tries to patch things up with with Pierce, promising no more girls’ nights out.
That’s not much fun.