Former England boss Sam Allardyce being wooed for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here – with ITV ‘offering six-figures’
FORMER England football manager Sam Allardyce is being lined up for I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here!.
ITV bosses are said to have offered Big Sam, 62, a six-figure fee.
It is understood they are so keen they are willing to pay more, although it has not got to the stage yet where he has demanded a particular fee.
A source close to Allardyce revealed: “This is not one of those rumours. They have been in touch several times to try to get him to sign on the dotted line.
“They are absolutely sure he would be a fantastic character to have in the jungle. He would be terrific, as you can imagine.
“His family are fully aware of the situation but it’s down to Sam at the end of the day and he most definitely hasn’t ruled anything out. He loves a challenge, loves a laugh and good company so joining the 17th series ticks all the boxes.
"He’s not fazed by anything and can handle any problems thrown at him by people he doesn’t get on with so all in all it seems to perfect TV show for him."
The married dad of two who started his professional career with Bolton Wanderers, is still highly regarded in the football world despite his shock exit as England manager in 2016 after just one game in charge.
He was forced to quit after Daily Telegraph reporters posing as businessmen filmed him, allegedly offering to give advice on how to get around transfer rules and negotiating a £400,000 deal, subject to FA approval.
The close source added : “To be honest his career could go sky high if he joined I’m A Celebrity and became a household favourite – which he could easily do.”
An ITV spokesman said they would reveal the names for this year’s show in November.