A football legend and a pop princess are being lined up for the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as Paul Merson and Jessie J have been linked to the show.
Fans of the long-running ITV reality show could be watching 52-year-old former England star Paul noshing down in bush tucker trials or 32-year-old Jessie competing with the Kookaburra’s in the Aussie jungle later this year.
According to reports, the two stars are high on the wish list of the 2020 series which is hoping to go ahead this year despite the ongoing global health crisis posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
For Paul, a stint in the jungle could be a launchpad for a new TV career after he revealed last year he has blown a £7 million fortune on gambling and narcotics.
A TV source told The Sun on Sunday: “The jungle is the jewel in ITV’s crown and they’re desperate to land top talent to keep viewers hooked.
“Paul is really keen to relaunch his TV career and thinks this is the best way to do it after he’s seen what it has done for his mate Harry Redknapp, but he needs it to be worth his while and is negotiating for a top price.”
Meanwhile, the hit series is also hoping to entice Jessie – whose music career has been on hold in recent year – to parachute into the jungle.
The source revealed: “Jessie’s been offered good money but isn’t sure that the show is for her. She is keen to put her music first.”
Jessie’s last album, R.O.S.E was released way back in May 2018, however it failed to chart.
She released a Christmas album, titled This Christmas Day, in October the same year, which also failed to chart, however festive single Man with the Bag reached number 70 in the UK single’s chart.
The 2020 series of I'm A Celeb has been in doubt due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as show makers pondered how to get cast and crew safely Down Under amid travel restrictions and viral infection risks.
However, back in May it was hinted show bosses were keen for the series to go ahead.
ITV boss Kevin Lygo declared the show is "likely to go ahead" while discussing plans at the 2020 Edinburgh TV festival.