The Apprentice will have double-strength army of chaperones to stop candidates having sex
THE latest intake for The Apprentice will have a double-strength army of chaperones to stop them having sex.
We can reveal bosses at the BBC show, fronted by Lord Alan Sugar, are upping the number of minders who will live in the contestants’ house.
They have been ordered to pour cold water on any wannabes more interested in setting the bedroom on fire than the boardroom.
Series 16 of the reality series, which was postponed due to the pandemic, is now down to the final stages of casting, with filming due to begin in July.
But the biggest challenge facing Lord Sugar could be keeping this year’s hopefuls from getting it on.
Our sources say contestants have been told they face the axe if caught bed-hopping.
One told us this week: “Lord Sugar has always hated the idea that some of the contestants might be getting together behind the scenes while filming.
“This isn’t Love Island. To him, the process should be solely about business. The latest batch of contestants face stricter monitoring than any past group.
“Staff have been tasked with ensuring contestants keep their eyes on the prize and not on each other.”
In previous years there have been a small number of chaperones living with the hopefuls during filming.
Covid restrictions mean this year’s monitors will have to remain in a “bubble” with them throughout.
Our source added: “Much as they might not like being shadowed, having more staff around could be beneficial. They are also a source of support.”
The 2019 series was caught up in scandal after Lottie Lion bedded fellow contestant Lewis Ellis.
The pair grew close in the house before sleeping together on a show trip to Finland.
And in 2016, four hopefuls were hauled over the coals for getting hot under the collar.
Jessica Cunningham hooked up with Courtney Wood, while Grainne McCoy snogged Paul Sullivan.
Better make that bucket of cold water a big one.
Liam Payne
Liam Payne was inspired by his experience at Alcoholics Anonymous with pal Russell Brand to make a short film about it.
He went to meetings with Russell two years ago and said: “There was everyone from prison guards to ex-soldiers to postmen to bin men, me and Russell.
“It was the weirdest room . . . We’re in some old community church room and he’s taking the chair and doing stand-up.”
Speaking on the Diary Of A CEO podcast, Liam added: “I am not going to give the script away . . . and I’ve not spoken to Russ about it yet. But I am one of the characters. I’m excited about the film. I showed it to one of my friends and she laughed a lot.”
At least Russell can play himself . . .
Subo’s betting on Vegas show
She turned 60 not so very long ago but Susan Boyle is set to have her most exciting year yet. She’s going to Las Vegas.
The Scottish singer, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, is now in talks to guest-star in Simon Cowell’s upcoming Vegas show.
The news comes after Simon agreed a money-spinning deal to bring acts from America’s Got Talent to perform at his big live residency at the city’s swanky Luxor Hotel.
A source revealed: “Susan is really excited to be asked and she is hoping to head over to the US in November to perform if she can.
“She has been holed up in Scotland during the pandemic but she is desperate to get back out there singing again. She loves working – and she could definitely be tempted by some sequins.”
Susan recently confirmed she planned to continue belting out the hits for many years to come.
She added: “Look at one of my idols, Elaine Paige. She’s 73 and still performing. I love what I do and want to keep doing it – so long as the public enjoys it. I’m going to hang on for dear life to what I do.”
Reflecting on the past year, Susan said: “I’ve not been able to do too much. But that will change later. I’m always an optimist. It’s been tough going.
“I’ve had days when I’ve felt low or stuck in a rut, or bored of staring at the same four walls. But everyone’s been in the same boat.”
Hopefully not for much longer.
Pixie gets her kicks in pink
Pixie Lott kicks back on her sofa in pink silk hot pants and sky-high stilettos, as you do.
If the Mama Do singer looked this classy all through lockdown, we take off our hats to her. Our looks were a lot more low-key.
Thankfully Pixie has owned up to one lockdown vice we share: An addiction to Deliveroo.
She admitted last week: “I think I use it to an embarrassing extent. One time I woke up and I was really hungover and I needed Fanta.
“So I Deliverooed Fanta. You know when you’re so thirsty you can’t even get to the tap?”
It sounds vaguely familiar, Pixie.
Strictly Al injury agony
Aljaz Skorjanec’s Strictly place is under threat after he suffered a horror knee injury on stage earlier this month.
The dancer twisted his knee while performing in West End show Here Come The Boys at the London Palladium.
After an X-ray, doctors warned Aljaz he might never walk normally again – let alone dance – unless he took a break from performing.
A source said: “Aljaz was on stage when he twisted his knee and it left him in agony. He knew it was serious, so went to a doctor who said he had to pull out of the show at once.
“He said if the knee didn’t recover, Aljaz might never walk normally again. Aljaz felt terrible about it but stepped aside and is now resting up as much as possible.
“The hope is he will make a full recovery. But until that happens, it’s fair to say his dance future is in jeopardy.”
This week his wife Janette Manrara was unveiled as the new host of spin-off It Takes Two, replacing Zoe Ball.
Hopefully Aljaz won’t be stuck watching on the sofa.
We need EU Jessie
After we got the dreaded “nul points” at last month’s Eurovision Song Contest, BBC bosses are already working to revamp the UK’s offering.
Pop royalty Jessie J has been approached to take part next year, we can reveal.
A music source said: “The production team are desperate to make a fresh start after this year’s flop and are trying to lure top talent with promises of lucrative record sales and international exposure.
“They are determined to come back fighting and think Jessie would be perfect. She has a huge following in Europe.
“But Jessie is in demand, so pinning her down might be harder than they think.”
Anything would be an improvement on James Newman’s feeble attempt.
Steely abs
Olympic great Jessica Ennis-Hill isn’t worried about losing her steely abs.
The London 2012 icon is just grateful she had two healthy pregnancies.
Jess said: “When I was competing, my six-pack was at its peak. I don’t look like that any more.
“But I’m fine with my body changing and am overwhelmed that it’s grown two little people.”
Jess, who is fronting Berry Gardens’ new soft fruit campaign, told us: “I never weigh myself. It’s not productive.
“If you exercise and eat healthily, you don’t need to. It’s about feeling positive in yourself.”
Well said, Jess.
Sam’s telly break
Sam Faiers is taking a break from reality TV.
She has quit her ITVBe show The Mummy Diaries after nine seasons to work on off-camera projects.
Most read in Bizarre
Sister Billie will continue filming but for her own show, dubbed The Family Diaries.
Sam, left, said: “Now feels like the right time to step away and focus on new adventures. I truly have watched the defining moments in my adult life play out on The Mummy Diaries.”
Billie, who had to pull out of this year’s Dancing On Ice due to injury, added: “We are so grateful for everyone’s support over the years. It’s been a whirlwind.”