Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard has reportedly signed up for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
The Liz McDonald actress, 63, is said to be the first star to join this year’s edition, five months after quitting the ITV soap following a whopping 30-year stint.
Sources have claimed bosses are currently holding ‘virtual talks’ in preparation of the new series, which could see the likes of presenter Matt Baker and ex-footballer John Barnes also feature in the line-up.
Ready for the jungle? Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard (pictured in November 2019) has reportedly signed up for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
A source told The Mirror: ‘Everyone was thrilled when Bev said yes, she is such a well-loved ITV face.’
Corrie stars who have previously participated in the competition series include 2019 finalist Andrew Whyment, 2018 contestant Sair Khan and 2017 runner-up Jamie Lomas.
MailOnline has contacted ITV and Beverley’s representatives for further comment.
Up for a challenge? The actress, 63, is said to be the first star to join this year’s edition, five months after quitting the soap following a whopping 30-year stint (pictured on show in 2015)
All systems go? ITV is reportedly set to return later this year despite the coronavirus pandemic (hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly pictured on 2019 series)
According to TV insiders, the survival reality show is set to still go ahead later this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 lockdown has seen many movies and TV shows forced to halt production and postpone filming dates, but new reports suggest ITV are already preparing for I’m A Celeb’s 2020 series.
Sources tell The Sun that show bosses are ‘holding virtual talks’ to plan for the show’s return, as they anticipate a huge response from viewers following the pandemic.
Plan of action: Show bosses are currently ‘holding virtual talks’ while preparing for the new series and lining up potential celebrity campmates (Pictured L-R: Kate Garraway, Jacqueline Jossa, Roman Kemp and Andrew Whyment)
A TV source told the publication: ‘ITV are certain lockdown will be well over by the time I’m A Celeb normally starts which is in November.
‘Every year it’s a ratings smash and this year will more than likely be even bigger as the public will be desperate for some fresh and uplifting TV.’
Insiders added that ITV have already started ‘hiring and advertising for crew’ in Australia, where I’m A Celebrity is filmed each year, and meetings are being held virtually to discuss potential celebrity campmates.
Last year’s series saw former EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa win I’m A Celebrity, while Corrie star Andrew finished in second and Capital FM radio DJ Roman Kemp came in third place.
Positive thinking: It’s believed ITV are hopeful the lockdown will be over by November, meaning they can resume filming for the show out in Australia
2019’s series also saw the return of Ant McPartlin as show host, alongside Declan Donnelly.
Ant had missed I’m A Celebrity in 2018 and Holly Willoughby was drafted in to replace the presenter and host alongside Dec, as Ant took an extended break from TV.
The duo are currently onscreen hosting the new series of Britain’s Got Talent, with the show airing its audition rounds that were filmed before coronavirus lockdown measures were put in place.
Reigning queen: Jacqueline Jossa (pictured centre) won the 2019 series of I’m A Celebrity
ITV have said that they will be postponing BGT’s live shows until later in the year, in order to adhere to current restrictions amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Fans, however, are still waiting to hear whether a number of shows will be going ahead in 2020, after it was revealed this year’s series of The Apprentice has been cancelled by BBC.
Love Island is due to return for its summer series, that usually goes to air at the end of May/beginning of June in Majorca.
It’s first ever winter series took place in South Africa in January, with Laura Whitmore as host, but no confirmation has yet been given or whether the summer series will still go ahead.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses, meanwhile, are reportedly in talks over this year’s show, with reports claiming the BBC has drafted up a precautionary list of British dancers to replace its professional dancers, if travel restrictions are still in place at the time of filming and prevent their stars from entering the UK.
UK-based dancers are being ‘lined up’ to take part in the early stages of rehearsals that kick off from July if need be.
Hanging in the balance: Other shows like Love Island (Zara McDermott and Ellie Brown pictured in 2018) are still up in the air when it comes to returning this year