Fresh Blow for I’m A Celeb as TV Legend and Model Daughter Reject Lucrative Spin-Off Deal
I’M A Celeb’s big spin off gamble has been dealt a huge blow before it has even begun.
The Sun can reveal a huge TV legend and her stunning model daughter have turned down a big money opportunity on the upcoming series filmed in the Canadian wilds.
Amanda Holden and her model daughter Lexi Hughes have turned down a big money deal to join I’m A Celeb’s upcoming spin-off show in a fresh blow to ITVCredit: Getty
Amanda shares Lexi and daughter Hollie with her husband Chris HughesCredit: Instagram
Our insider tells us that Amanda Holden and her eldest Lexi Hughes were approached by bosses to star in the spin off, dubbed I’m A Celebrity: The Wild Frontier, and execs were desperate to tempt the duo to star in the series.
The Wild Frontier – which The Sun previously revealed already has two boyband stars on board – will see celebrities compete in pairs rather than solo and is a special series to mark 25 years of the main show.
With bosses hoping that Amanda and Lexi would be the perfect signing, a source told The Sun: “ITV really wanted Amanda and Lexi and were prepared to open the cheque book and let the pair name their price. They were top of their wish list.
“They knew viewers would tune in to watch them as Amanda is such a natural, hilarious tv personality, and fans would love to get an insight into her mother-daughter dynamic with Lexi.
The new spin-off will see celebs compete in pairs and is called The Wild FrontierCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Lexi is focusing on her modelling career and keen not to jump on reality TV too quickly, as well as keeping her work separate from mum Amanda’sCredit: Zak Walton
While Amanda is still jam-packed with work, between being on the judging panel of BGT and hosting her Heart breakfast showCredit: Getty
Boyzlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden are the first duo who have signed onto the showCredit: Splash
“Lexi has had loads of column inches devoted to her as her modelling career takes off, but despite getting loads of TV offers, has turned everything down so ITV were really ready to put out the big guns to secure them.”
However, it seems that now won’t be the time to see the mother and daughter duo take on the jungle.
Revealing that Amanda and Lexi weren’t keen to sign on the dotted line, our insider continued: “Unfortunately, despite being big fans of the show, Amanda and Lexi politely declined.
“Amanda is so busy with her Heart Breakfast show, which requires grueling early starts, as well as all her brand deals, BGT and of course her show with Alan Carr, so she just doesn’t have the time.
“It’s the same reason why she didn’t want to enter the race to be the new Strictly presenter.”
While Lexi is busy building her career in front of the camera as she’s signed with the prestigious Storm Models, the same agency that has represented stars such as Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevingne.
Our source continued: “As for Lexi, she’s at university at the moment and wants to her her qualifications before taking on any big jobs.
“She has done some modelling and been very successful at that, but her studies are her focus right now. When it comes to TV work, It’s not a case of never, but it’s just not the right time at the moment.
“She has been offered countless TV shows and she is really flattered but she’s said no to everything that has come her way so far because she wants to take her time to figure out what path she wants to take.
“Lexi is a real smart girl with a good head on her shoulders and she isn’t going to rush into anything. She’s always wanted to prioritise her education.
“She and her mum will definitely be watching the new I’m A Celeb spin-off from the comfort of their sofa though. They’re big fans. “
The Sun has reached out to Amanda and Lexi’s representatives for comment.
Previously, we revealed how Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy were the first to sign up for The Wild Frontier, which is thought to begin filming later this year.
While showbiz kids Junior and Princess Andre had been keen to take part, but didn’t get the call-up from ITV.
A source told The Sun that due to the siblings recently filming Celebrity Race Across The World, show bosses felt the rival series were too similar to have them compete in both.
