Ben Cohen is reportedly being eyed for ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’
The 38-year-old former England rugby union star turned down the offer to appear on the popular ITV reality show four years ago, but after proving he is "popular with viewers" when he appeared on BBC dance competition ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2013, bosses are keen to offer a spot to him again in time for this year’s show.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Ben’s name was straight on the list for this year. He is popular with viewers, as his ‘Strictly’ stint showed, and appeals to sports fans. He’s also a gay icon so he ticks a lot of boxes. It looks like the producers might get their man."
The news comes after former S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens recently let slip that she has been in contact with ‘I’m A Celeb…’ bosses over a place on this year’s upcoming series of the creepy-crawly show and, although she’s terrified of bugs, she’d jump at the chance to take on a "challenge."
She said: "I love ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’. I am up for it. I’m such a wuss so I’d be the one that gets voted every night because I’m scared of so many things."
Not much is known about the forthcoming series of ‘I’m A Celeb’ but it’s currently up in the air as the show’s host Ant McPartlin checked into rehab earlier this month.
Bosses are hopeful that he’ll be well enough to return to the programme in November alongside his co-host Dec Donnelly, but they’re no doubt stressing as they have offered him 12-months sabbatical leave so that he can recuperate properly away from the TV.
The 41-year-old TV host will reportedly now spend at least two months in the clinic trying beat his drugs and alcohol addiction while his wife Lisa supports him from afar.
A senior executive for ITV said recently: "The feeling among senior executives us that Ant has been very brave to admit this.
"He’s got our total backing and he knows he can take as much times as he needs. If there’s anything we can do to support him in getting better, then of course he only needs to ask. He’s a huge part of the ITV family and that isn’t going to change.
"He has many friends here who are right behind him and we hope to see him out of rehab and on the mend as soon as possible."
Ben Cohen to do I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!?
