Former Love Island presenter, Laura Whitmore, 39, has reportedly caused quite a stir by pulling out of the BBC’s Celebrity Apprentice special mere days before filming commenced, creating a substantial setback for the production crew.
The special was planned to mark the Apprentice’s 20th anniversary, featuring a line-up of celebrities taking on business tasks under the watchful eye of Lord Alan Sugar. Revelations about the casting emerged last week with The One Show’s Angela Scanlon confirming her participation.
Alongside Scanlon, who also presents on Virgin Radio weekends, will be fellow contestant Tom Skinner, famed for his pillow and bed salesmanship from the show’s 2019 series. However, Irish TV sensation Laura Whitmore is now out of the equation. It is claimed that she has greatly infuriated BBC chiefs by dropping out of the prestigious edition at short notice – reportedly placing producers “in an awkward position”.
A TV insider told the MailOnline: “Laura infuriated BBC bosses by pulling out of the Celebrity Apprentice special. Of course, there can be a lot of last-minute changes in television, but it was just days before filming started and the team were very much left in the lurch.
“The dates did not work for Laura and so she backed out, but many were left in an awkward position by her decision.”, reports the Mirror. The Mirror has contacted Laura’s representatives and the BBC for comment on this story.
While the full roster of celebrities participating in the festive charity special is yet to be officially announced, reports suggest that former EastEnders actor Jake Wood and Rob Rinder have signed up. This edition marks the first celebrity version in six years, designed to commemorate the show’s significant anniversary. The star-studded line-up was unveiled last week.
The contestants will kick off their journey in Lapland, tasked with assisting Santa Claus. Angela, 41, a Strictly Come Dancing star known for her flair for interior design and fashion, will be among the participants.
Tom, 34, recognised for his Cockney accent and “Bosh” catchphrase, who ran The Fluffy Pillow Company and launched Bosh Beds during the pandemic, will also join the cast.
The group of 10 celebrities will jet off to Lapland in Finland, where they’ll assist Santa and his elves in creating a Christmas best-seller. An insider revealed: “Lord Sugar will be sending them to Lapland to get a brief from Santa. Hiring for the one-off is underway and there will be the usual firing that we love the show for.”
The charity special is set to air later this year. Lord Sugar remained tight-lipped about the show, which details are still being kept under wraps, but he did share: “There has been talk of it. They’re quite fun, we all do it for charity. I’m quite open about who gets to take part, as long as the production team don’t choose Boris Johnson.”
The previous special in 2019 showcased comedians Omid Djalili and Russell Kane, interior designer Kelly Hoppen, and EastEnders’ Tameka Empson. The girls’ team emerged victorious in the 48-hour challenge to organise a cabaret night, thanks in part to Loose Women’s Ayda Field enlisting her husband Robbie Williams.
Celebrity Apprentice typically splits the celebrity participants into two groups, each tasked with a single challenge. Reports from late last year hinted at a festive theme for the show’s return. It was suggested that the cast would be flown to Lapland to create products for sale back in the UK.
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