X Factor star reveals why they turned down big money Celebrity Big Brother appearance
AN X Factor legend has revealed why they have turned down a big money deal to sign up for ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother reboot.
We recently revealed how ITV bosses had a £2million “war chest” to secure a sensational line-up of stars for the first CBB in six years.
On the list of desired household names was none other than music manager Louis Walsh, 71.
But even the lure of mega money wasn’t enough to turn the Irishman‘s head.
He told Sunday World: “I have no plans to do any reality TV this year as right now it’s all about the music for me with Westlife and Next In Line.
“Believe it or not, I never wanted any personal fame — that is something that happened unexpectedly when Simon Cowell asked me to be a judge on The X Factor.
“It’s still the biggest buzz I get in life, especially when I see the success that Westlife are continuing to enjoy around the world. They’re now more popular and more successful globally than at any other stage in their career.”
Louis, who used to also managed Boyzone, was in and out of the X Factor fold over a 15 year period and mentored the likes of Shayne Ward and JLS.
Big Brother execs want high-profile names for the rebooted show — which will now air in a prime-time spot on ITV1 in March.
Among possibilities already touted are controversial Wag Rebekah Vardy and Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
A TV insider said: “The team behind the programme are being clever about the kind of celebs they’re considering.
“They don’t just want big names in there — they want stars who will bring something truly intriguing.
“They want this to be on a par with I’m A Celebrity, which has a similarly claustrophobic environment involving celebrities completing strange challenges under the glare of the public eye.”
ITV bosses have put £2million into their casting pots before.
In 2022, I’m A Celeb… splashed just over £2million securing its line up, to include controversial former Health secretary Matt Hancock and singer Boy George.
Last year they coughed up a reported £1.5million just to land former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.
The 2023 reboot of Big Brother, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, was considered a hit despite relatively small overnight viewing figures on ITV2.
However, the six-week series was streamed 38 million times, putting it in ITVX’s top five most streamed shows.
CBB’s comeback, which will also be fronted by AJ and Will, is expected to rack up even more streams and get higher viewing figures on the night it airs.
No housemates have been confirmed yet.
A CBB spokeswoman declined to comment.
