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One of the stars of The Office (US) has revealed a fascinating secret behind the design of the popular sitcom’s set.

On the series – an American adaptation of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s BBC classic The Office – the titular office was divided into two rooms, with some characters working in an annexed section separate to the main office.

According to Brian Baumgartner, who played accountant Kevin Malone, there was actually a secret, entirely practical, reason for this.

Speaking on an episode of Joe Vulpis’s Lightweights podcast earlier this month, Baumgartner explained the reason for the seating divide.

According to him, those characters who sat in the annex were actually the ones who were involved with writing the show: Toby (Paul Lieberstein), Kelly (Mindy Kaling) and Ryan (BJ Novak).

“There was the main office, and then there was the other side,” Baumgartner began. “If your desk was in the annex, you were a writer.”

He continued: “They did this because the camera was always moving around. We were there all the time. So Greg [Daniels, the series showrunner] needed the writers in the writers room sometimes.”

Because their default in-universe workplace was separate to the main area, Lieberstein, Kaling and Novak were able to leave the set and go to the writers’ room without disrupting continuity in the background of shots.

“I did not know that,” Vulpis replied. “Fun fact.”

The Office did, however, manage to work the annex into its story, with those employees sat in the room looked down upon by the others in the main office.

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An Australian remake of The Office recently premiered on Prime Video, marking the third English-language iteration of the sitcom.

The series notably switched the gender of multiple key characters, including its lead. In the UK version, the centre of the show is obnoxious office manager David Brent (Gervais), while the US version focused on a similar character called Michael Scott (Steve Carell).

In the Australian version, the lead character is a female office manager called Hannah Howard, played by Felicity Ward.

Speaking to The Independent last month, Ward said: “I know that people are going to have very strong opinions about this regardless… [but] when people ask, ‘did you feel the pressure?’ I’m like, ‘no, not at all’.

“This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

LOVE Island star Matthew MacNabb has proposed to his girlfriend Laura Nolan.

The Irish hunk shared a video with fans of the moment he got down on one knee after two years of dating.

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He told fans: “We’ve come a long way.”

Their famous pals rushed to comment on the happy news, with Love Island winner Liam Reardon writing: “Special. So happy for you both! Congratulations X.”

Matthew, who appeared on the dating show in 2021, met Laura when he was partnered with her in the dancing competition in Ireland just a few months later.

Their relationship was speculated by viewers throughout the entire competition, but as Matthew was eliminated, a choreographed kiss gave the game away during his farewell dance.

Just last month, Matthew was forced to deny they were engaged after he shared a very romantic video of them dancing and fans went wild.

He wrote: “Ps. Not our wedding video or engagement, but thank you!”

The smitten lad recently told Evoke how the pair had their first kiss behind the scenes of DWTS.

The 29-year-old laughed: “It was mid rehearsals actually, I’m too smooth, too smooth!”

Laura added: “‘It was in the middle of a dance, we had a step where he grabbed my neck and like, pulled me towards him and we looked each other in the eye and he just kissed me.”

They continued: “We both knew that we had the show to do, so it was kinda like we really liked each other and there was a lot of flirting going on.

“We didn’t want to distract from the other contestants or degrade what we potentially had.”

Matthew was coupled up with Kaz Kamwi during his time on Love Island.

He later admitted he struggled during his time in the villa after entering during Casa Amor.

“I shouldn’t have been there in a way,” he explained.

“It was like trying to take over being someone else’s boyfriend.”

Matthew added: “I haven’t told anyone this, but I met with the psychologist when I was in the villa and cried for a solid hour.

“She helped me so much and made me realise that this life is an adventure and with any adventure, there are ups and there are downs.”

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The full line-up for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2024 has been “revealed”.

The ITV reality show has been on the air since 2000, with winners including Tony Blackburn, Stacey Solomon, Jill Scott and last year’s victor Sam Thompson.

In recent years, I’m a Celebrity has been plagued with controversy for signing up two controversial politicians: former health secretary Matt Hancock in 2022 and Nigel Farage in 2023, which appeared to lead to a downturn in ratings.

It seems like bosses don’t have anyone quite so contentious waiting in the wings this time around, with The Sun claiming to have discovered the identity of every star joining the show later this month.

Below are the 12 stars “revealed” to be taking part in this year’s series

Coleen Rooney

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Coleen Rooney has reportedly signed up to appear on this year’s series. The wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is said to have secured the biggest deal in the show’s history, which would surpass that of Farage and presenter Noel Edmonds with a fee of over £1.5m. “I’m a Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board,” a source told The Sun. “Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case. She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts.”

Tulisa Contostavlos

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One of this year’s biggest stars is said to be N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, who was also once a judge on The X Factor. An insider suggested to The Sun that Contostavlos’s booking was inspired by a recent N-Dubz tour, which “introduced her to a younger generation, especially through platforms like TikTok”. They added: “Tulisa’s diverse career makes her a strong contender for I’m a Celebrity because she appeals to a wide audience. ITV is particularly excited about her new following among 16 to 24-year-olds, and hopes the deal is finalised soon.”

Jane Moore

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One Loose Women star who is reportedly poised to follow in the footsteps of fellow panellists Janet Street-Porter, Frankie Bridge and Charlene White is Jane Moore, who first appeared on the ITV panel show in 1999. he has been a regular panellist since 2013 and is rumoured to be up for entering the jungle following a split from her husband of 20 years.

Oti Mabuse

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Oti Mabuse is a former Strictly Come Dancing professional, appearing on the BBC series from 2015 to 2021. She won the series with both Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey, and appeared on Dancing on Ice as a judge after leaving Strictly.

Reverend Richard Coles

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Reverend Richard Coles, the media personality and former vicar, who was once a member of the band the Communards, will – according to The Sun – be a campmate on this year’s I’m a Celebrity. A source said: “Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly Come Dancing and his later life as a man of the cloth.” Earlier this year, Coles described his time on Strictly as “brutal” amid a behind-the-scenes scandal.

Dean McCullough

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Northern Irish BBC Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough has reportedly been tapped to appear on this year’s series. He started presenting for the station in 2020, standing in for Clara Amfo, and in September 2022 he replaced Scott Mills and Chris Stark, alongside Vicky Hawkesworth, as hosts of Radio 1’s afternoon show.

Alan Halsall

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Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, had an I’m a Celebrity near-miss in 2023. He was rumoured to be a part of the line-up but was reportedly forced to withdraw after suffering a knee injury; the photo he shared of himself from his hospital bed essentially ruled himself out of appearing. It’s a likely bet, then, that Halsall has been drafted in for the new series.

Danny Jones

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It’s been claimed that McFly singer Danny Jones is following in the footsteps of his bandmate Dougie Poynter, who won the show in 2011, by entering the jungle. While it seems like a long shot considering Jones is not short of work – he’s currently a judge on ITV singing competition The Voice – a source told The Sun he is being offered a lucrative amount to appear on the show.

Melvin Odoom

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The radio DJ and TV host is believed to be entering the jungle this year. In the past he has presented shows on Kiss and Radio 1, and his presenting stints include the BRIT Awards, MOBO Awards and The Xtra Factor.

GK Barry

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The second Loose Women star being tipped to join I’m a Celebrity this year is influencer GK Barry. She became a swift favourite to appear after it was reported she had withdrawn from participating in Strictly Come Dancing due to the rehearsal room scandal that hit the BBC show earlier this year. Barry – real name Grace Keeling – would be a hit with the youngsters considering she has a huge following on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Maura Higgins

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Shortly after it was claimed Tommy Fury had withdrawn from the series, another Love Island star’s name was thrown into the mix: Maura Higgins. Higgins is one of the ITV2 reality show’s best-loved contestants, having appeared on series five in 2019. A source told The Sun: “With Tommy Fury pulling out, it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.”

Barry McGuigan

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According to The Mirror, Irish boxer Barry McGuigan will be entering the jungle, replacing McCoist. A source told the outlet: “Barry is a bona-fide sporting legend and he’s a great person to have heading for the jungle. When he rose to fame in the 1980s as the WBA featherweight boxing champ he became a non-sectarian ambassador. He fought for both Ireland and Great Britain and was loved and respected on both sides of the divide. There’s not many who can say that.”

An ITV spokesperson told The Independent: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.”

It was reported on 1 November that former Rangers footballer Ally McCoist backed out of an appearance – for a second time – having been signed up by bosses weeks ago. His departure follows that of Love Island star Tommy Fury, who also dropped out of the show weeks before it was due to begin.

Want to watch I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! while travelling abroad? Then you’ll need a VPN to stream this show. Discover the UK’s best VPN deals today. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

THERE’S just one week to go before a new roster of pampered celebs are sent Down Under to scoff disgusting animal parts and come face-to-face with creepy crawlies, rats and snakes.

But don’t feel sorry for the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! because they are paid exuberant fees – including Coleen Rooney who’s reportedly making a staggering £1.5million. 

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In the jungle, she’s expected to dish the dirt on the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial against Rebekah Vardy and the antics of her husband, ex-England footballer Wayne Rooney.

Alongside the sizeable signing-on fee, which if she lasts the full three weeks is equal to £71,428 per day, she’s predicted to cash in up to £5million from brand deals, sponsorships and collaborations.

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Celebrities can earn an absolute fortune by appearing on reality TV shows, and reboot their careers in the process. Here we reveal some of the largest amounts paid to the stars.  

Nigel Farage – £1.5million 

Matching Coleen at the top, with a £1.5million signing-on fee, was firebrand politician Nigel Farage who appeared on I’m A Celebrity last year.

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It was clear the public had an axe to grind with the controversial Reform UK leader and Donald Trump bestie, 60, because he participated in nine out of 27 Bushtucker Trials.

Among the most grueling was him having to eat a ‘four-penis pizza’ – watch below, if you dare…

He placed third in the show after surviving his final challenge – being stuck in a metal box while large snakes slithering across his face and body.

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Ray J – £1million

Upon signing up for Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, R&B singer Ray J said he hoped people would finally see the ‘real him’ and not “what I did in bed”.

But the 43-year-old, who famously featured in a leaked sex tape with Kim Kardashian, pulled out of the show after just seven days. 

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Ray J, who was paid between £800,000 and £1million, had a “bad tooth problem” and claimed he begged producers for “three-and-a-half days” before they let him leave the house.

In protest to the alleged refusal of medical treatment, the musician and his housemates told producers: “We’re not doing any more tasks until Ray J’s tooth gets fixed.”

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Stormy Daniels – £750,000

Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 was set to be one of the juiciest series of all after producers managed to bag the adult actress Stormy Daniels. 

The 45-year-old was expected to tell all about her alleged fling with then-US President Donald Trump and would have been paid a handsome £750,000 for it. 

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However just five hours before the show, Stormy pulled out. It’s claimed she wanted to “appear on launch night and then leave”, which CBB bosses didn’t agree to. 

Her lawyer Michael Avenatti hit back saying the CBB team was trying to “script” her responses, “control what Stormy was going to say and do” and ultimately claims the TV team “refused to let her go on” the show. 

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Noel Edmonds – £600,000 

Deal Or No Deal presenter Noel Edmonds was the highest-paid star to ever appear on I’m A Celebrity back in 2018 when ITV forked out a whopping £600,000 for him.

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However, after failing to win over the public – including with the promise that he would quit TV altogether if he won the reality show – he was the first person voted out.

Later, Noel told ITV’s Lorraine: “I was hoping to hang around for a little bit longer. I hadn’t even actually got into my stride.”

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That series was won by former football manager Harry Redknapp and while Noel was certainly disappointed, he could easily mop up the tears with his bumper pay cheque.

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His super-short 11-day stint breaks down to a whopping £54,000 per day or £2,272 per hour, which is 143 times higher than the average UK salary at £15.88.   

David Guest – £600,000 

Few could forget the iconic 2016 “David’s dead” CBB moment – if you can’t, remind yourself below.

It was a miscommunication that led housemates to wrongly believe film producer David Gest had passed away. 

Angie Bowie was breaking the news about her ex-husband David Bowie having died but didn’t specify his last name when relaying the information. Due to Gest resting in bed nearby while suffering from illness, some feared it was him.

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In a tragic twist, David, who was Liza Minnelli’s ex, had to quit the show after 13 days due to medical grounds and tragically passed away after a stroke three months later.

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Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt – £570,000  

Bizarrely, reality stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt competed as a single entity on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and famously fell out with Rylan Clark. 

The couple, who rose to fame on The Hills, were branded “snidey b******s” by the X Factor singer after an explosive task where they revealed how they felt about housemates.

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Heidi and Spencer, known as ‘Speidi’ in the show, were worth their £570,000 fee due to that sensational moment alone and were furious when they lost out to Rylan in the finals.

Spencer moaned about the small margin Rylan won by, before he clapped back: “I didn’t beat them by a little two or three per cent. I won by the highest percentage in Celebrity Big Brother history – just clearing that up.”

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Caitlyn Jenner – £500,000

Four years after coming out as transgender in 2015, Caitlyn Jenner was snapped up by I’m A Celebrity bosses hoping she would spill the beans on her difficult journey.

The Kardashians’ step-parent allegedly received a £500,000 appearance fee and was put forward by her agent due to her love of “amazing daredevil experiences”. 

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Caitlyn lasted until Day 20, leaving the ITV show in sixth place, after taking part in Bushtucker trials including Slop Of The Pops.

It was branded the “most vile” challenge of the series (below) and featured her and Roman Kemp being covered in fish guts, rotten eggs, offal and decaying fruit while they were spun on a wheel.   

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Sharon Osbourne – £500k (for just FIVE days)

Few people can honestly say they have been paid £100,000 for just one day’s work.

But that’s the lucky position Sharon Osbourne found herself in while appearing in last year’s Celebrity Big Brother house.

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Sharon was there for just five days but claimed she would be worth every penny because “there will be lots of stories” about ‘frenemy’ Simon Cowell, adding: “He’s going to need more Botox after we finish with him.” 

Not only did the 72-year-old get a bumper pay cheque but she was also given special privileges other housemates didn’t get – like sleeping in her own room, not having a wake-up call and being able to phone her rocker hubby Ozzy. 

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Harry Redknapp – £500k 

Beloved football manager ‘Arry Redknapp bagged half a million quid from I’m A Celebrity back in 2018 and he was crowned King of the Jungle.

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The ex-Tottenham and West Ham head honcho came out trumps on in the series, which starred Emily Atack and John Barrowman, and was the show’s oldest victor at 71. 

It seems Harry’s fee was worth it because nearly 12 million viewers tuned in, then the highest-watched final in recent years. The record was beaten in 2022.   

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Boy George – £500k 

Boy George had longed to be on reality TV for many years before he his 2022 I’m A Celebrity appearance.

Famously, a decade earlier the Culture Club frontman was asked to appear on CBB but was banned from taking the gig by a judge.

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It was because he had just been released on licence after being jailed for 15 months for handcuffing a male escort to a wall and beating him with a chain, in his East London home. The star wrongly believed the Norweigan was trying to hack into his computer. 

Boy George, real name George Alan O’Dowd, was offered £200,000 to appear but a judge refused to let him go on the show. 

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In 2022, he was paid £500,000 to go on I’m A Celebrity and was eliminated on Day 18 after taking part in six Bushtucker trials.

Katie Price £450

Being covered in 60,000 cockroaches, coming face-to-face with rats and dining on creepy crawlies multiple times is something few of us would consider. 

But we’re not Katie Price, the Page 3 model formerly known as Jordan, who picked up a giant wedge both times she entered the I’m A Celebrity jungle.

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The first time, in 2004, she was paid £400,000 and famously fell for Mysterious Girl crooner Peter Andre, whom she would later marry and have two kids with.

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However, five years later, during her second appearance on the show, she quit on her ninth day after being voted for her SIXTH Bushtucker trial in a row.

Fuming Katie, who was paid £450,000 that time, moaned: “Someone else has to do it. I’m just not doing it anymore.”

I’m A Celebrity 2024

As the hit ITV show enters into its 24th series, a brand new batch of famous faces look set to enter the Aussie jungle once again to face terrifying Bushtucker Trials and living amongst the critters in camp in order to come out on top and be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle. The Sun’s Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars heading Down Under this year…

Coleen Rooney – Arguably the most famous name heading into the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney, will be making a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to head into the camp this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever.

Tulisa – The popstar and former X Factor judge looks set to be making a triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year’s I’m A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal.

Alan Halsall – The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he will be hoping to become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities when he gets into camp.

Melvin Odoom – The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. He has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet – the Aussie jungle.

GK Barry – The UK’s biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brand such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers.

Dean McCullough – A rising star amongst this year’s bunch of celebs, Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live.

Oti Mabuse – The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She origianlly found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Danny Jones – The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle, after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he’s now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice, along with bandmate Tom. A jungle insider said: “As well as bringing some of the star appeal of the group with him, he’ll be supplying some serious guy candy for the campmates and viewers at home.”

Maura Higgins – The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard. Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year.

Jane Moore – The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist will be braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge – having recently split from her husband. It will be Jane’s first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past.

Barry McGuigan – Former pro boxer Barry will become the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to breast cancer. He told The Late Late Show in 2021: “She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache.”

Rev. Richard Coles – Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is set for I’m A Celebrity — and is ready to let rip at his old employer. The former Communards and Strictly star, 62, said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year.An insider said: “Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth.”