THE mischievous producers of The Traitors celebrity spin-off look set to stir things up by signing up a famous couple to the show.
They have been inspired by the popular mum-and-son duo Diane and Ross in the last series, and couple Tom and Alex in the first series — both hosted by Claduia Winkleman.
Now they want a star pairing that could include footie father-and-son Jamie and Harry Redknapp, tennis mother-and-son Judy and Andy Murray or even husband-and-wife Vernon Kay and Tess Daly.
A TV insider said: “Although the famous couple won’t have any secrecy around the fact they are linked, it will still create huge amounts of suspicion and paranoia and really test allegiances.
“Will family ties prevent them from stabbing their relative or partner in the back?
“Would it warp the normal dynamic between the Traitors when it comes time to ‘murder’ their loved ones?
“And if they do turn on their partner, will it strain the relationship?
“Bosses know the intrigue will make for great telly, as they’ve seen how it stirs things up in previous series.
“Signing up Tess would be compulsive viewing as obviously she and Claudia are good friends from co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing.”
Planning for the celebrity series, set to be filmed early next year at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, is still at the early stages.
Though I revealed the show was happening back in January, the BBC only confirmed it last month, along with announcing a fourth season starring non-celebrities.
Bosses have a few big names on their hit list including comedian Ricky Gervais, Jonathan Ross and Renaissance man Stephen Fry.
But on their own can any of them compete with the combined force of a celeb couple?
GAVIN & Stacey fans were whipped into a frenzy when writer and star James Corden posted an image from the first day of filming the Christmas special.
He put a picture on Instagram of the car used by his character, Smithy.
Along with the image, James – back fliming with Ruth Jones, Mathew Horne and Joanna Page – wrote: “Day 1. Here we go x”
Meanwhile, former cast member Russell Tovey posted images of himself in Wales, one of the locations where the show is set.
This left fans wondering if the actor is resuming his role as Budgie in the farewell episode.
Only 112 days to find out.
VITO COPPOLA has been putting his practice in at the Strictly Come Dancing studios.
Not for the upcoming 20th anniversary series, mind, but for his appearance on Celebrity MasterChef.
The dancer said: “Since I’ve been in the UK I’ve tried to cook for myself.
“Sometimes I cook for the other Strictly pros. I bring dessert in for feedback.
“My family, they’re more particular, because I’ve learned from them. They keep giving me notes and do not let me do any cooking unless they are there next to me!
“But since I was a kid, I’ve loved cooking and I enjoy food and eating as well.”
Celebrity MasterChef is on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One.
WHEN Freddie Flintoff launched his Field Of Dreams series, finding some future cricket giants would have been a bonus.
But what the Ashes hero did not expect was to unearth a fledgling chart star.
In tonight’s final episode of the second series, it’s revealed rapper Hemi has now launched a music career off the back of the show.
Viewers would have seen his vocal skills in action when Freddie took his young squad from his home of Preston, Lancs, to play a local team in India comprised of musicians.
And the rap session clearly gave Hemi the confidence to perform, having landed gigs on his arrival back to the UK.
As I revealed in April, the BBC One series will be back for a third instalment, in which Freddie will find a new batch of recruits across the UK.
The Beeb are clearly bowled over by its popularity.
COMEDIAN Jimmy Tarbuck took a gentle pop at Susanna Reid as she returned to the Good Morning Britain set.
On yesterday’s show, he said: “Do you know what my kids called you? Piers Morgan in a wig – that’s a compliment.”
She replied: “I’m not sure that sounds like a compliment.”
PETE Wicks has admitted that fellow reality star Zara McDermott encouraged him to do Strictly, despite her ordeal on the show last year with sacked pro Graziano Di Prima.
On ITV1’s Lorraine show, Pete said: “Zara was the one that pushed me to do this as she loves the show.”
