Holly Willoughby, 43, is set to reach new global audiences by starring in a new Netflix show.
The Dancing on Ice host will star alongside Bear Grylls, 50, in Celebrity Bear Hunt, which is scheduled to start streaming in February. As the show’s title hints, the new series will see Bear hunting down different stars, while Holly will act as the presenter.
Unfortunately, however, one star was reportedly set to quit before the chase was up due to alleged favouritism by Netflix towards Holly. Former England rugby union pro Danny Cipriani, 37, was one of the celebs to try outwitting survival expert Bear, but is said to be turned off from reality TV for good after his experiences.
According to an insider, Danny was “wary” of entering the world of reality TV, but changed his mind after hearing about the new show. “He’s a big fan of Bear Grylls and couldn’t wait to get out to Costa Rica, live in the wild and learn survival skills from the man himself,” they shared to The Sun.
However, Danny’s excitement seemed to wane after filming began, with the source saying the sportsman felt that “host Holly was getting special treatment and every decision was being made around her comfort.” While the insider said that some special treatment was expected as the show revolved around the host, they added: “…but it really didn’t sit right with Danny – he’s been pretty open about his spiritual journey as of late and he’s all about things being fair and equal.”
Thanks to the perceived inequality on set, Danny was seemingly ready to quit the show. The source claimed: “Danny was adamant he was going to leave and even packed his bags, giving producers no option but to step in. They persuaded him to stay but it really ruined the rest of his time on the show.
Overall, they explained that while Danny made a couple of friends working on the show he has ruled out any more reality TV in the future, and “couldn’t wait” to go back home to LA when it was over. The Mirror has contacted representatives for Holly and Celebrity Bear Hunt for comment.
The Netflix website’s description of Celebrity Bear Hunt reads: “Holly Willoughby hosts this competition show set in the Costa Rican jungle, where 12 celebrities become prey for that fearsome hunter – Bear Grylls.” Alongside Danny, 11 other names have been revealed to be part of the line up.
BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern will join fellow BBC personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, with Spice Girls icon Mel B also taking on the challenge. Danny won’t be the only sportsman in the jungle, with tennis legend Boris Becker joining the team. Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is also on the list, alongside models Leomie Anderson and Lottie Moss. Finally, actor Kola Bokinni, singer Una Healy, and rapper Big Zuu round out the impressive cast of stars.
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