I’m A Celebrity bosses meet with Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis as show prepares to ditch its ‘no reality stars’ rule
ITV bosses banned reality stars from appearing on I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! last year.
But their stance hasn’t lasted long, as I can reveal show bookers are eyeing up fresh reality talent for the new series — including Love Island’s MIKE THALASSITIS, aka Muggy Mike.
Chiefs wanted more “credible” names in 2016 after Geordie Shore star VICKY PATTISON and Towie’s FERNE McCANN made the final three the previous year.
But following the lack of drama on last year’s series, won by Gogglebox favourite SCARLETT MOFFATT, bosses have had a rethink.
A TV insider said: “The show got a real ribbing for the amount of airtime Vicky and Ferne received in 2015.
“Both were great but there was a feeling some of the older contestants weren’t getting a chance to impress.
“But reality stars create more social media buzz and also attract younger viewers. Mike is having early talks but the fact he’s even being considered shows a real change of tack.”
Reality stars to appear on I’m A Celeb have included Towie’s MARK WRIGHT, JOEY ESSEX and GEMMA COLLINS, plus Made In Chelsea’s SPENCER MATTHEWS.
Muggy Mike, who was given the title by CHRIS HUGHES for pursuing his girlfriend OLIVIA ATTWOOD, would be the first former Love Island contestant to appear in the Aussie jungle should he get the nod.
The former footballer ticks the “single hunk” box and has the potential to embark on a jungle romance with a fellow campmate.
He’ll get plenty of offers.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Fearne's miner shock
FEARNE COTTON got a nasty surprise on BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are?.
The TV host discovered her great-grandfather, miner Evan Meredith, spent six months in jail and a further year doing hard labour for refusing to fight in World War One.
An emotional Fearne said: “He didn’t want to kill anyone. It’s that simple.”
Welsh miner Evan later became a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society.
It’s nice to have a happy ending.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Moffatt has date with Channel 4
STREETMATE presenter SCARLETT MOFFATT sets up singletons of all ages on the revamped dating show.
The ex-Gogglebox favourite told how she even helped a lonely pensioner in the upcoming Channel 4 series.
Scarlett said: “I found a date for a 76-year-old called Geraldine. I matched her with a man called Jeff who looked like SEAN CONNERY.
He said: ‘You take my breath away.’
“It was nice to see older people go on dates because they didn’t play it cool – they just weren’t bothered.”
Scarlett, who I revealed has recently got back with Luke Crodden, also confessed her dream celebrity date would be STEPHEN HAWKING.
Maybe Channel 4 should get Stephen on the next Gogglebox celebrity special.
A royal return
HERE is the first look at the second outing of The Crown – as royal couple Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip return from a world tour.
The epic Netflix series tells how the Queen, played by CLAIRE FOY, rules as social order falls apart after World War Two.
The award-winning drama, also starring MATT SMITH, returns on December 8. It is spectacular, and so British. I cannot wait.
SOAPBOX
CHESNEY suffers a panic attack in CORONATION STREET as he struggles to man the kebab shop.
He’s confronted by a group of lads on a rowdy stag do who become so boisterous, he is forced to flee the fast food joint.
Meanwhile, Aidan is furious with Eva when he discovers she went for a pregnancy scan without him.
In HOLLYOAKS Maxine is disappointed when her dinner party descends into chaos.
Matters are made worse by next-door neighbour Cindy sticking her nose in.
Meanwhile, Neeta feels guilty when she agrees to have a baby with Mac and reveals all to lover Hunter.