Paul Gascoigne signs up for Italian jungle show similar to the UK’s I’m A Celebrity
PAUL Gascoigne has signed up for Italian jungle show Isola de Famosi - similar to I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here!
The England hero, 53 — who played for Rome side Lazio in the 1990s — has undergone extensive mental and physical tests.
Geordie Gazza has a history of drink and drug abuse and doctors and psychologists wanted to be sure he could survive the TV series.
The Italian show is called Isola de Famosi — Island of the Famous. It will be filmed in Honduras, Central America, starting on March 11 and runs for two months.
The ex-Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder put pen to paper on Friday.
His signing is a coup for Mediaset — a TV firm owned by controversial former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi.
A Mediaset spokesperson told The Sun: "I can officially confirm that Paul Gascoigne will be one the contestants on the island.
"He passed his tests and will be flying out later this week and the show will start next month.
"We have been trying to get him for a while and he is still hugely popular in Italy and his addition will be fantastic."
Former Lazio teammate Beppe Signori said: "I heard from Paul a few days ago and we talked about him taking part in Isola dei Famosi. Knowing Paul, I am expecting some hilarious moments when he gets out there."
Most read in News TV
A source added: “Getting Gascoigne has been hard work but will be worth it.
“He’s such a character. He is the biggest star of the show. He passed all his tests while in isolation in Italy.
No issues were uncovered so he’ll fly to Honduras with the others next weekend.
“The fact communication may be an issue will all add to the reality of being stranded on a desert island.’’
The contestants will quarantine in Honduras for two weeks before the show starts.
It is thought UK authorities let Gazza take part as it is work related and he is not travelling to red list countries.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]