John Leslie and Paris Lees are said to have pulled out of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.
The former ‘This Morning’ presenter and the transgender rights activist have reportedly dropped out of heading into the famous abode just days before next week’s launch – leaving show bosses "scrambling to fill the remaining slots".
A source said: "Paris’s deal broke down during last minute negotiations, so she won’t be going into the house anymore.
"And John was offered a big, six-figure deal but turned it down and now he’s out of the running too.
"It’s left frantic bosses scrambling to fill the remaining slots."
Producers of the Channel 5 reality TV show are now up against it as they search for potential replacements for the 53-year-old TV presenter and the British journalist.
The source added to the Sun Online: "They want to land big names but they’re really up against it with time.
"There’s just over a week to go which isn’t long to work out contracts and fees."
This comes less than a month after it was reported former ‘Blue Peter’ presenter John – who was recently cleared of sexual assault – was in talks with ‘CBB’ bosses about signing up for the show.
A source said at the time: "Producers for the show are particularly keen on signing John. They have tried previously but they are hopeful they can convince him to sign up.
"He has had a couple of meetings and the signs look promising. They think he would make good TV and would have lots to say.
"They hope the temptation of being back on telly will be enough to convince John to take part."
John Leslie and Paris Lees ‘drop out of Celebrity Big Brother?’
