Piers Morgan reveals he wants to host celeb version of hit show – but only if current star is one of the contestants
PIERS MORGAN fancies taking over from his old frenemy Lord Sugar as host of The Apprentice – but only for the upcoming celebrity version.
I exclusively revealed on Saturday that the spin-off was happening next year as the show celebrated its 20th birthday.
And that Sun columnist Piers was one of the former contestants that producers were likely to target for the new series.
But commenting on the prospect, Piers said: “Having won the American Celebrity Apprentice and being chosen as the winner by the President of the United States, I’d only come back if I was the host, and Lord Sugar was one of my apprentices.”
Unfortunately the Amstrad tycoon, who has fronted the show since it launched in 2005 when he was Sir Alan, is unlikely to oblige for his old chum/adversary.
He’s more likely to remind Piers that when he appeared on the first Celebrity Apprentice for Comic Relief in 2007, he was shown the door after the men’s team failed their task.
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Lord Sugar told him: “There is one person here who’s more responsible for the general winding people up, it’s the demeanour that has cost you this. Mr Piers Morgan, you are fired.”
But Piers did go on to win the US version in 2008 when it was hosted by a Donald Trump.
Celebrity Apprentice last aired six years ago with celebs including Amanda Holden and Rylan Clark taking part, once again raising cash for Comic Relief.
There has been a lengthy comedy spat between Piers and Lord Sugar, with the tycoon once writing on Twitter, now X: “Traditionally at birth doctors slap a babies bum. When @piersmorgan was born doctor took one look and slapped his mum.”
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Piers replied: “That joke’s almost as old, toe-curling and unfunny as you.”
I can’t wait to see how Lord Sugar responds to the idea of Piers taking over The Apprentice . . .
Nitro's Xmas leg-up
GLADIATORS is the ultimate test of speed, strength and endurance – and one of its champions has paid the price for the second year running.
I can reveal that fan favourite Nitro was forced out of competing during the filming of the second series earlier this year after busting his knee.
It means that the hunk, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, took on a different role, by instead becoming a ringside presenter alongside Bradley and Barney Walsh.
Nitro told me: “Usually I’m speeding to the finishing line but sometimes life throws a curveball.
“During training for series two of Gladiators earlier this year I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.
“But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever. You will still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators and keeping the energy sky-high.
“I need my Nitro energy crew to keep faith and stay charging me up.”
The new series of the family favourite is due to hit screens early next year, after its debut on BBC One run became a ratings sensation. It comes after Comet and Sabre were benched with shock injuries during series one.
Comet, real name Ella-Mae Rayer, broke her ankle and foot and undergone an agonising operation to rebuild her foot.
And Sabre, whose real name is Sheli McCoy, tore her hamstring.
And as my exclusive picture of Harry laid up in recovery shows, his accident looks just as nasty.
But all his work getting back to fitness won’t be in vain, as the lad has landed a spot on this year’s Strictly Christmas.
From rumbled to rhumba.
Rob is a trouble shooter
COMIC ROB BECKETT is gearing up to film a new celebrity panel show.
As yet untitled, it will see a group of comedians tackle everyday disputes and problems on behalf of the general public.
Rob, who already leads a star-spangled panel on Sky show Smart TV, is recording a pilot episode this Wednesday.
An audience appeal read: “A panel of top-tier comedians will tackle the general public’s most petty peeves, outrageous incidents, and confusing family dramas.
“Promising big laughs and eyebrow-raising stories as our comedians deliberate on some of the most ridiculous and relatable conflicts you’ve ever heard.”
Sounds compelling – now he just needs a broadcaster on board.
Critics baffle Janette
STRICTLY: It Takes Two and Morning Live host Janette Manrara has revealed that she was criticised for returning to work after having a baby.
Last July, the dancer had a daughter, Lyra, with husband and Strictly pro Aljaz Scorjanec and decided she didn’t want to be a stay-at-home mum.
Talking in the new Radio Times she said: “I went back when Lyra was six weeks old and some people said: ‘You’re not setting a good example.’
“It baffles me that we judge each other like that.”
Explaining how she and Aljaz juggle parenthood with their careers, Janette added: “When Lyra was three months old, I was doing It Takes Two and touring the UK with Aljaž.
“So Lyra was on trains and in hotels and she was absolutely fine. There’s a baby room on Strictly if we need it but Lyra goes to nursery on the days I’m filming.”
Keira's juggling act
LOVE Actually star Keira Knightley has revealed the bizarre juggling act she had to perform while filming new Netflix thriller, Black Doves.
As a mum she’d often get called up by her children while she was at work playing a spy called Helen Webb who gets involved in some bloody gunfights and battles.
Talking in the new edition of Radio Times, she said: “You’ve got your work face on and then you’ve got your kid on the phone and you’re: ‘Oh baby, are you OK?’
“So it’s that thing I think we all know and that we all do, but ramped up to ten, or 11 or 12. And that’s what I liked. It made me giggle.
“We all do it. For me, I’m on a film set and then it’s, ‘Oh, you passed your spelling test – I love you so much!’ Whereas this is: ‘Darling, I love you so much and they’re just about to kill me. Kiss darling, goodbye.’ ”
Joel's clean shave
IF you were thinking Joel Dommett looks a tad different on presenting duties on I’m A Celeb: Unpacked, then you’d right.
Talking on the Never Have I Ever podcast, the Masked Singer host revealed he’s had his teeth “shaved” before jetting down under.
Joel said: “I had my teeth filed down a little bit, the front ones, I felt they were too big.
“Because I’ve got this thing called composite bonding I can do what I want, you could make them any shape you want if you like – like a hedge.
“I was worried people might think they were veneers so I wanted to make them look more natural.
“My teeth were slightly too long before, so they’ve shaved them down a bit.
“Imagine if the dentist had said, ‘Oh you’re not going to believe this Joel, I’ve gone a bit too far with this and you’ve just got gums!”
THE impact of Bullseye’s impending reboot continues to grow. Now, it seems, it’s led to Netflix adding The Pembrokeshire Murders to their roster of dramas.
The detective show, which originally aired on ITV almost three years ago, is all about how a serial killer was caught after he was spotted on the ITV gameshow in 1989
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OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan has revealed he once became so obsessed with Nineties Canadian TV show Due South he nearly applied for citizenship in a bid to become one of the country’s Mounties, famous for their red blazers and wide-brimmed hats.
He said: “I wanted to wear the outfit.”