In a dramatic last-minute twist, veteran broadcaster Nick Ferrari has pulled out of the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! just weeks before the show's launch.
The Lucrative Tug-of-War
Nick Ferrari, the 66-year-old LBC breakfast show host familiar to viewers from his appearances on This Morning, was all set to join the celebrity lineup for the reality show's November series. According to sources close to the negotiations, ITV bosses had been keen to secure the outspoken presenter and were prepared to dig deep into their pockets, offering what insiders described as a "lucrative fee" for his participation.
The Mirror reports that negotiations between Ferrari and ITV had progressed promisingly, with the broadcaster seemingly enthusiastic about signing up for the jungle adventure. However, when Ferrari informed his employers at Global, the media company that owns LBC, about the potential opportunity, they intervened decisively.
Global's Counter-Offer
Rather than simply asking Ferrari to reconsider, Global executives took out their cheque books and made a stunning counter-proposal. "They pledged to match any fee he was set to receive as they consider him such a vital and well-loved part of the LBC schedule," revealed an insider familiar with the situation.
The source continued: "Ultimately, Global was able to flex its financial muscles and managed to keep its man. If he had signed up, he would have been off air for up to six weeks, which they were keen not to happen."
The move has been seen as a masterstroke by Ferrari's colleagues, with the source adding: "Nick is really well liked by those working on LBC and everyone thinks he has played a blinder by getting a pay rise out of it."
Ferrari's I'm A Celeb History
This isn't Ferrari's first connection to the popular reality show. The LBC presenter is reportedly a big fan of the programme and previously served as Carol Thatcher's 'celebrity friend' when she won the fifth series back in 2005.
Despite his apparent enthusiasm for the show, Ferrari ultimately declined to appear before ITV could make a final offer, choosing instead to remain with his regular broadcasting duties at LBC.
As preparations for I'm A Celebrity reach their final stages, with paparazzi stationed at Heathrow to capture departing celebrities and even poisonous frogs being removed from the campsite, Ferrari's absence marks a significant change to the anticipated lineup.
The new series of I'm A Celebrity is scheduled to return on November 16, with The Sun reportedly leaking details of a cast that will include the usual mix of singers, soap stars and other beloved public figures. Metro has approached both Nick Ferrari and ITV for comment on the surprising development.
