GARY LINEKER is struggling to fill the team sheet for his new ITV show The Box.
Rumours that the new challenge show is fiendishly tough seem to have put off celebrity contestants — and I’ve heard that a number have turned it down.
One of the famous names who has declined the offer is a sportsperson who is well used to hard graft.
It comes after the show, which is a smash hit in Norway, was described as a cross between SAS: Who Dares Wins and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here .
The combination seems to have left celebs quaking in their boots.
A source said: “Casting for The Box is under way but it sounds like a number of stars have turned it down as they don’t fancy how hard it sounds. With I’m A Celeb, the Bushtucker Trials are awful but the pay-off is appearing on one of TV’s biggest shows.”
For The Box, stars will be taken to mystery locations in a big yellow box, before being released to face whatever game awaits.
The challenges will be fun, exhilarating and immersive.
A show source said: “Unlike other shows, The Box isn’t about facing fears, it’s about stepping into the unknown.
“When the boxes open they’ll be launched into a variety of unexpected, fast-paced daring, comedic and mischievous challenges.”
First launched in Norway in January, the show finale was watched by one in five of the country’s population.
ITV reckons it will be a big Saturday night hit for them with Match Of The Day legend Gary at the helm.
He said: “It’s going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch, and I’m excited that I get to have a front row seat to all the action.”
Let’s hope they find enough celebs who are up for it.
Moo-ve over for kids, Jez
CLARKSON’S Farm has seen agriculture grow in popularity and now Channel 4 is looking for some junior Jeremys .
I can reveal the broadcaster is working on a new show that educates kids on farming.
Cameras will follow animal-loving youngsters as they learn about various livestock.
Casting has already begun for an episode dedicated to chickens, with a note reading: “Does your child love animals? Have they always wanted a pet? Are they a future farmer or vet?
“They’ll visit a real-life farm to find out what it takes to raise happy and healthy chickens. They will follow the journey of an egg from coop to kitchen.”
Sounds a bit more wholesome than some of the scenes down on Jeremy’s Diddly Squat.
The series will air later this year and you can visit interstellar-tv.com to apply.
Sophie snaps back
GAME OF Thrones star Sophie Turner hit back at trolls who claimed she’d “forgotten her kids” after posting pictures online of her watching Oasis at Wembley Stadium with friends.
Sophie snapped back: “There’s this crazy thing called shared custody. Maybe, just maybe, they were with their dad that day.”
Big Bro’s eyeing The Boss
CHANCES are you have seen clips of Jack Kay – aka The Ibiza Final Boss – on your internet travels.
The lad has shot to fame after a video of him raving on the party isle with a Lego-style haircut, chunky gold chain, huge shades and bulging shoulders went viral.
And now he has caught the eye of Big Brother bosses.
Jack’s new management has had talks with the ITV2 reality show about him appearing on the next series.
A source said: “The Ibiza Final Boss has really captured the nation’s imagination and is the kind of character that makes for a fun housemate.
“Bosses had talks with his management. They thought it was worth a chat, whether it be for this series, even as part of a task, or for the future.”
A Sugden from the ‘Dale
EMMERDALE star Oliver Farnworth has quit the show after a year in the village.
As mysterious murderer John Sugden, he’d been part of one of the ITV soap’s biggest storylines.
The Sun revealed last week that he has just filmed horror scenes showing John attacking Mackenzie Boyd.
Now he’s ready for his curtain call.
A source said: “John’s got away with so much but he’s about to make a fatal mistake.
“Obviously Oliver knew that a character like John had a shelf life and that’s rapidly approaching.
“He’s loved his time on the show but there’s still plenty of twists and turns coming before he departs for good.”
John’s downfall – and Ollie’s exit – will air later this year.
Traitors winner cheats
THE Traitors 2024 winner Harry Clarke got booted off the Channel 4 show last night – after he got caught cheating.
Talking about his experience on the military challenge contest, he said: “I was broken mentally, physically, every possible way could be broken. That course broke me. But I want to go back. I’ve got unfinished business, massively.”
May inspires thriller
THERESA MAY is the unlikely inspiration for a new Netflix thriller.
Suranne Jones stars as a Prime Minister pushed to the brink when her husband is kidnapped.
And the former Corrie star has revealed she learned from the very best.
She told Radio Times: “We spoke to people in positions of power. We went to the House of Commons, and watched Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer battle against each other.
“We looked at Nicola Sturgeon , we looked at Theresa May.
“I think it’s harder for women, as it is with most jobs. Breaking down the patriarchy isn’t an easy task.
“When a woman stands up, there’s so many labels that she has to fulfil.”
Hostage begins on August 21.
Strictly star’s unveiled
STRICTLY Come Dancing has got the glitterball rolling with four celebrities officially confirmed for this year’s line-up.
Gladiator Nitro – aka Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – led the charge with a cheeky prank on CBBC’s Newsround yesterday when he appeared disguised as a choreographer.
The Olympic sprinter comes to the series having already pranced on the BBC festive special.
Nitro said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.
“I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
Last night on The One Show, Dani Dyer , Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink , were unveiled as part of the cast, too.
Newlywed Dani said: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
Jimmy said: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge. Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”
And Alex simply added: ”Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
