‘Makers of Millionaire’ hunt down hit BBC show with copycat version – and it could spell disaster for the corporation
THE success of BBC1’s The Traitors has inspired TV rivals to make their own version of the psychological reality show.
I’ve heard a series called The Imposter is in the works, with Rob Rinder lined up to host it.
The game show will have an imposter among five contestants gunning for the prize money, trying to keep their identity under wraps.
A TV insider said: “The demand for this type of show has grown since The Traitors was broadcast and now other channels want to get in on the act.
“One name in the frame has been the makers of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, who of course know all about hit game shows.
“A pilot was filmed last month and is now likely to spark a bidding war among broadcasters who are keen to get in on the Traitors type of show. Robert is great as a host. Viewers will see a totally different side to him.”
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The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and set in a castle, has 22 strangers — Faithfuls and Traitors — trying to avoid elimination to win a £120,000 prize fund.
It is based on Dutch show De Verraders and has been remade all over the world.
The Imposters does not have the same haunted theme as The Traitors.
For every question answered correctly, cash goes into a pot. But a wrong answer means double the amount is added to the imposter’s hoard.
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The undercover player has to to amass a prize fund without getting busted.
At the end of every round, Rob will interrogate and probe to see who looks the most guilty, before the contestants vote for the player they think is the imposter.
If the last person standing is the imposter, they get double the cash.
Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Singalong
FAN favourite segment SingAlong live returns to Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend.
Hollywood actress Toni Collette is Guest Announcer, while Jake Shears will star in an epic disco-themed End Of The Show Show.
It all starts at 7.15pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Shayne's murder reunion
EX-CORRIE co-stars Shayne Ward and Catherine Tydlesley have reunited for new Channel 5 mystery drama Good Ship Murder.
The last time they acted alongside each other was as boyfriend and girlfriend Aidan Connor and Eva Price on the ITV soap, and the pair had more than their fair share of emotional scenes.
But X Factor winner Shayne says this time they can actually have some fun.
He told me: “When we were on Corrie our final storyline was Aidan’s suicide, which was such an important topic and something I am so proud of. But it is nice to be filming something which is completely the opposite.”
The new series is expected to air in September.
Davina's one to call
DAVINA McCALL has been confirmed as host of new ITV dating show The Romance Retreat.
The series, dubbed Love Island for oldies will air later this year.
Davina said: “I made it happen. I willed there to be an amazing new dating programme for grown-ups.”
Greg: I need to stop getting big laughs
GREG Davies' go-to gags usually concern his size.
But that may be about to change as the comic has been told by his GP to lose weight.
The Taskmaster host said: “Although I’ve had rich pickings from turning the gun on myself and my instinct is to try and get laughs wherever possible, it’s not a reason to stay as I am physically. And I’ve been told very seriously by my doctor that something bad will happen if I don’t address that side of things.”
The second series of Greg’s sitcom The Cleaner starts next Friday.
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His character Wicky mops up crime scenes and every episode features a guest star.
This time they will include singer Shakin’ Stevens and My Family actress Zoe Wanamaker.