[James]

12 May 2006

I'M A CELEB.. GET ME OUT OF AFRICA

Nicola Methven And Polly Hudson

IF you thought the stars of ITV's I'm A Celebrity had it tough, think again. Eating witchetty grubs will seem a doddle compared to what rival channel BBC is cooking up for a new reality show

The as-yet-untitled series will see famous faces roughing it on safari in Africa. They'll try gamekeeping and have to deal with savage beasts in the toughest conditions.

Our insider tells us: "It will make I'm A Celebrity look like a walk in the park.

"It will be 100 per cent gruelling, the participants will have to deal with a lack of food and water, as well as sleeping rough."

The stars will leave for Africa in July and the show will be screened later this year - possibly going up against a new series of I'm A Celebrity in November.

So far, stars considering the offer to take part include ex-EastEnder Shane Richie, model Calum Best, Emmerdale's Roxanne Pallet, Big Brother's Makosi and X Factor reject Chico. Coleen McLoughlin is also believed to have been approached, with Mirror columnist Alex Curran on the wish list if Coleen turns it down.

Our spy adds: "The problem is that most of the people you'd want to see on a reality show have already taken part in at least one. Plus celebrities want to be pampered and have fun - this safari show is going to be very tough going. Only the bravest would say yes."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tvandfilm/tv...name_page.html