When news first broke about Dr Chris Brown jumping ship from Ten to Seven – leaving behind a huge gap in one of its biggest tentpole shows, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – producers were already hard at work finding a replacement.
And they knew it would be no easy feat. In fact, a source tells Woman’s Day that the network is going above and beyond to secure a name worthy of the role.
The search is on for the superstar vet’s replacement.
(Image: Getty)“ITV Studios has been working overtime to find someone that can match Julia’s energy and wit, but can also provide a bit of eye candy,” says our sleuth.
“The contenders have been put through their paces – there are ‘chemistry tests’ with co-host Julia Morris, and even obstacle courses and tucker trials, not too dissimilar to the ones seen on the show, to see if they can handle life in the jungle.
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“It’s a top priority as the show will return to its initial January timeslot.”
The source says comedian Jimmy Rees, Beau Ryan and recent cast members Woody Whitelaw and Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins have all expressed interest in the role.
“It’s no coincidence that Woody and Nick have had a lot of screen time this season,” the insider spills.
“Woody isn’t looking likely, but they think Nick would work well alongside Julia. They’ve both got a quirky, Australian-centric sense of humour and they’d bounce off each other well.”
The duo have been hosting I’m A Celebrity since 2015.
(Image: Getty)OVERSEAS TALENT
Producers are also said to have looked across the pond for talent, with ITV execs suggesting Dr Scott Miller, a hunky, blonde vet who’s become a national treasure in the UK thanks to his segments on breakfast talk show This Morning.
“Producers know this would work, as much of Julia and Chris’ schtick is down to Julia’s flirty ‘Oh, doctor’ quips, but they feel putting in another blonde vet might be a bit on the nose,” adds the source.
The new hosts will be fighting it out for their place in the jungle.
(Image: Ten)Ten is so determined to find the right fit that they’re even looking at rival networks.
Hamish Blake and Andy Lee are said to be at the top of their wishlist – the comedians were originally approached to host I’m A Celeb’s first season – and The Project alums Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little are even said to be in the mix.
However, Ten knows it would need to write big paycheques to lure both of those duos.
The network is said to be waiting until Chris officially comes out of contract at the end of June to announce the new host.
Watch this space!
