Amanda Abbington rejects huge money offer to appear on popular reality show after Strictly hell

AMANDA ABBINGTON has been approached to take part in Celebrity Big Brother but turned it down due to her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.

Her brief stint on the BBC One dance contest last year led to a long investigation into her pro partner Giovanni Pernice which ended with several complaints about his behaviour upheld, as reported in the Sun right.

Producers of CBB wanted to sign her up for the new series, set to air next year on ITV, since she has been in the limelight recently and they hoped that she might open up on the murky chapter in Strictly’s history.

A TV insider said: “Amanda decided to discreetly turn down the offer because she felt so traumatised by the last reality TV contest she was on.

“She couldn’t face going through all the trolling that she received when she complained about Giovanni which made her feel like public enemy number one.

“Of course, the fee for taking part would have been appreciated but she just couldn’t face it.

“Amanda has absolutely nothing against Celebrity Big Brother, though.

“Indeed, she will be tuning in to watch the show next year, along with the rest of the country.”

ITV confirmed last month that BB and CBB would be returning for a third series on the channel, which will coincide with the reality TV show celebrating its 25th birthday. Hosted by Davina McCall, Big Brother became an instant phenomenon when it began on Channel 4 in 2000 and ended ten years later.

It then enjoyed a run on Channel 5 from 2011 until 2018.

ITV chiefs revived the show last year and swiftly rebooted the celeb spin-off.

The first celebrity version appeared on our screens in 2001 with some pretty impressive stars, including comedian Jack Dee, who won the debut series, and telly presenter Vanessa Feltz.

It’s a pity Amanda has turned down CBB but I can understand why she decided it had to be a polite no.

DJs deck the halls

RADIO 2 legend Ken Bruce couldn’t stay away for long.

My exclusive pic shows the broadcasting legend staging his own radio reunion with other BBC stalwarts, Bob Harris and OJ Borg.

The trio are part of a fab five taking on Ken’s Popmaster Christmas special.

And all the contenders should really know their stuff when it comes to the charts.

Joining the Radio 2 cohort are Radio 1’s Katie Thistleton and Rickie Haywood-Williams, plus Ken’s Greatest Hits Radio pal Jenny Powell.

Ken left the BBC last year for the commercial station and launched beloved quiz Popmaster as a TV format on More4, where it’s been doing great business.

But which radio DJ will come out as the Christmas number one?

The special airs tomorrow (Tues) at 9pm on More4.

Peter’s fired up!

PETER KAY says he has yet to watch the new Wallace & Gromit BBC festive flick – even though he is in it.

I revealed on Friday that the funnyman is starring as Chief Inspector Mackintosh, above, in Vengeance Most Fowl, which airs on BBC One on Christmas Day.

But speaking on Absolute Radio’s The Jason Manford Show, he joked: “I haven’t seen it yet.

“I have had it on a knock-off Fire Stick and been selling it on Sundays with the film Gladiator II, and I’ve got Wicked in black and white.

“Down Fletcher Street in Bolton I have a stall. I do four litres of bleach, Duracell batteries and Immac.

“I’m down there with this Fire Stick, so if anyone wants Wallace & Gromit, I’m there.”

Not if Beeb bosses get there first, Peter.

Robo is a no-go for Rob

WHILE Britain remains hopeful Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will finally reveal what happened on that fishing trip, Rob Brydon has hinted Uncle Bryn has other more pressing matters on his mind.

Talking to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, Rob was asked what new technology the beloved character might now be embracing.

Rob said: “There was talk of whether he was into air fryers and stuff.

“I think Bryn would be a bit scared of [AI chatbot] ChatGPT, as I am.

“I find it mind-boggling the thought of what that stuff can do.”

Imagining one of Bryn’s lines to Gavin, Rob joked: “It’s called ChatGPT. You can put anything in Gav, and I mean anything.”

I wonder if ChatGPT knows what went on, riverside?

WAG turned GB News host Lizzie Cundy is in the running to join Real Housewives of London.

Bosses at Hayu are talking to a gaggle of divas now to cast the new spin-off of the famous franchise.

They reckon socialite Lizzie could be the next Lisa Vanderpump.

Cici wil wait for Mr Right

FIRST Dates is back with a festive special, and there’s one familiar singleton hoping bosses will deliver her biggest Christmas wish – finding a new man.

Show waitress Cici Coleman is looking for her ideal match and has even asked maître d’ Fred Sirieix to dish up a date for her.

Cici said: “Fred has introduced me to a lot of men but, I’m afraid, nothing in the long term department.

“Putting my love life in the hands of the First Dates team is definitely something I’ve discussed, but it just never happened. They haven’t found me the right one yet.

“So who knows? If I’m single next series then I’m sure the conversation will be had!”

First Dates at Christmas is on Channel 4 on Thursday at 9pm.