Channel 4’s new survival show Eden turns raunchy after one castaway’s potato liquor leads to love
Reality TV program appears to be turning into Love Island
EDEN was supposed to be a survival show in which 23 brave volunteers live off the land for 12 months.
But just days after setting up camp in the remote Scottish Highlands, the Channel 4 reality show is turning into ITV’s Love Island — minus the dodgy tattoos and bikinis.
In the first episode, two of the castaways end up in bed together, fuelled by a home brew of potato peelings, chicken feed and pine needles.
Chef Stephen prepared the unappetising concoction in the hope it would help the group get to know each other better. He had told the cameras: “The best team bonding you can do is get everybody p***** because the next day you just know everybody so well.”
And his plan worked as after downing a couple of glasses with yoga instructor Jasmine they share a snog beside the campfire.
They are then shown sneaking off to the men’s shared shelter, dubbed The Man Cave, for some alone time in Stephen’s hammock.
Afterwards Stephen admits: “I said I would have no romantic involvement with anybody and I thought I wouldn’t but now it has happened. I was enjoying being a scruff as well and not worrying about my appearance but now I like this girl and am worrying about my appearance a bit more.”
The participants were put in the remote location in March and will stay there, with no access to the outside world, for a year.
The group includes a vet, carpenter, marine conservationist, shepherdess, paramedic and shopfitter. They must rely on their survival skills to hunt for food, grow crops and build their own shelters.
A six-week jolly at the Love Island villa sounds much more appealing.
Clarkson 'n co in their Prime
JEREMY CLARKSON looked relaxed as he kicked off The Grand Tour in style yesterday.
The Sun columnist admitted he was “crapping” himself as he filmed Amazon Prime’s first show in front of an audience at a studio in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He was joined by old Top Gear pals RICHARD HAMMOND and JAMES MAY. They will travel the world for the new show and have added a UK studio date.
Each episode cost a cool £4.5million, with the first due to be available this autumn.
Jeremy was happy with the way filming went, tweeting: “I loved today” along with a picture of his studio location.
Have a feeling CHRIS EVANS won’t be downloading.
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HE is the man behind JEDWARD, WAGNER and STEREO KICKS.
And after a year away, LOUIS WALSH is bringing the fun back to X Factor with his cheesiest novelty act yet – a pair of fame-hungry reality TV rejects.
Bradley Hunt and Ottavio Columbro, who auditioned as Cosmic Riot, have appeared on Coach Trip, Judge Rinder and Strip Date.
Now Louis, who believes the masked duo will give the ITV talent show’s viewing figures an all-important boost, is allowing them another shot at stardom.
A show source said: “They are the most ridiculous act that has ever been on X Factor. But they will completely divide opinion and get the nation talking. Louis knows they are exactly what the show needs.”
Kids shy away from Voice
THE Voice junior spin-off show has already found its celebrity coach in WILL.I.AM.
But it is struggling to get contestants with only 1,000 kids so far signed up for its auditioning process.
ITV chiefs are so worried there’s not a big enough pool of talent to be in front of the panel led by the hip hop artist they have upped their ad campaign to try to get more to sign up.
An insider said: “There’s barely 1,000 kids on the list which isn’t many to pick from. They have splashed out on adverts in a bid to persuade more to apply.”
The Voice Kids’ problems are in stark contrast to the main show, which has seen 14,000 singers sign up.
On the junior version there will be three rather than four coaches and EMMA WILLIS has confirmed she will host both shows next year.
At least that’s a good start.
ITV cooks up food awards
THERE seems to be a new food show coming out every other week.
And now ITV chiefs are secretly playing with the idea of an Oscars-style awards show to celebrate them.
The format being discussed would see celebrity chefs such as JAMIE OLIVER, MARCO PIERRE WHITE, MARCUS WAREING and GORDON RAMSAY, above, battle it out for the top honours.
Another category could see show presenters such as NIGELLA LAWSON, PAUL HOLLYWOOD, MARY BERRY and JAMES MARTIN go head-to-head.
Sources claim ITV have set up a team to look into how to make the event work following an ideas meeting.
An insider said: “Bosses want to tap into the popularity of cookery shows and awards nights such as the National Television Awards and the Brits.
“They think they can even make money through a public vote.”
The awards could also see the nation vote for the country’s best restaurants.
After the fried chicken cake I got from KFC, they’d get my vote.
Soapbox
THERE is devastating news in store for Phil Mitchell in EASTENDERS when Ian Beale tells him Ben has been rushed to hospital following a violent altercation.
They put their differences aside in tonight’s episode to race to be by his side, only to be given the tragic news that he has died.
Phil is distraught at the loss of his only son, as is Ben’s mum Kathy Beale, who turns to Shirley Carter as she breaks down about the shocking news.
Things aren’t any more cheery on the CORONATION STREET cobbles as David Platt mourns the death of wife Kylie after her shock stabbing.
She was killed in Friday’s episode but David is determined to stay busy – focusing on the kids, Max and Lily, instead.
His mum Gail can’t help but worry for him though.
For how long can he put on a brave face?