CORONATION Street’s Alan Halsall is back in the running for this year’s I’m A Celebrity. . . Get Me Out of Here!
The actor, who has played Tyrone Dobbs on the ITV1 soap for 26 years, was due to go into the jungle in 2023.
But it is believed an injury which required a substantial knee ligament operation meant he had to turn down the offer.
A TV insider said: “Alan was gutted when circumstances meant he couldn’t be considered for the line-up last year.
“I’m A Celebrity producers were also disappointed because they often like to have a Corrie star in the mix, and he is a particularly popular member of the cast.
“Alan and the show bosses are just glad he’s now in a position to be part of this year’s show — though the official line-up is months away from being confirmed.”
The actor had reconstructive knee surgery at the start of November.
However, that is the month when the celebrity contestants fly to Australia, ready to go into the jungle with hosts Ant and Dec.
Last year was one of the unusual years when no Corrie star appeared on I’m A Celeb, although it did feature two soap stars with ex-EastEnder Danielle Harold and Hollyoaks hunk Nick Pickard.
Alan’s op meant he had to take a short break from filming Corrie, although he was still seen on screen on the cobbles of Weatherfield because the soap is filmed two months ahead of the episodes being aired.
Immediately after the op to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament, he posted a picture of himself recovering in bed on Instagram.
It came with a message: “I have been told the surgery went really well.
“I know I have a long nine–12 months of rehabilitation ahead of me, but I’m sure with the support of family & friends I’ll get there.
“Any rehab tips or advice?”
Given that time frame, he should be completely back on his feet by the time the next series kicks off Down Under in seven months.
Just in time to put his body through hell again.
BLUE Lights star Sian Brooke has revealed that she ditched her original surname Phillips to avoid being confused with another actress.
She met stage and screen veteran Dame Sian Phillips while studying acting – and learned that the birth name of the Goodbye,
Mr Chips star was actually Jane. Sian told Virgin Radio: “Trying to pick a new name is difficult when you’ve had yours for 18 years.
“In the end, my dad went to the National Portrait Gallery and went round and wrote out all these names.
“One of them was Brooke, and there we are – the rest is history.”
THE BBC will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a special day of programming.
Alongside seven shows paying tribute to those involved in the 1944 invasion, special episodes of The One Show, Antiques Roadshow, Bargain Hunt, Countryfile and Newsround will air on the BBC from June 5.
TWO new singletons are heading into the I Kissed A Girl masseria to stir things up.
This weekend it’s time for the hopefuls to get dressed up for a VIP party with the help of show host Danni Minogue, before she surprises them with the late arrivals.
And the newbies – singer Thea and student Hannah – will complete the line-up before a vote-off this weekend.
If that doesn’t already promise enough drama, it soon comes to light that R&B artist Thea is already closely acquainted with one of the girls in the Italian masseria.
And the old flame is certain to ruffle a few feathers.
Hannah teased of her appearance: “You can expect, love, tears and mystery . . . happy tears, sad tears and a whole lot of love – I guess you’ll have to watch to find out.”
The series continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC Three.
DERMOT O’LEARY is heading to Ireland for a new travel series, as I revealed last month.
The five-part ITV1 show sees the TV host head back to his family roots on the Emerald Isle to discover its secrets.
He said: “I can’t wait to embark on this trip, to explore two of my great loves – Ireland and food.”
DANCING on Strictly was in Lauren Oakley’s blood.
The pro star, who joined the line-up of dancers in 2022, revealed that she is following in the footsteps of her mum, who appeared on the original BBC ballroom series Come Dancing.
She revealed on BBC Radio West Midlands: “My mum was on Come Dancing as a dancer.”
Hostess Trish Adudu joked: “You were always destined to be a dancer, then?”
To which Lauren added: “I know – she won the British Championships when she was pregnant with me, so technically I was dancing before I’d even been born.
“When you’re a dancer and you’ve made it on to Strictly, you’ve made it.
“I’m there – and I’m really happy to be there. I feel very grateful and lucky.”
