Lorraine Kelly set to host primetime BBC show Wedding Day Winners with comedian Rob Beckett where couples compete to win dream wedding
QUEEN of daytime television LORRAINE KELLY is about to own the night too.
I can reveal my good pal has bagged herself a primetime spot on the BBC, as the host of a new game show.
And The Sun columnist is about to make someone’s big day even bigger, as the show will give lucky couples the wedding of their dreams.
Lorraine will host Wedding Day Winners, alongside funnyman ROB BECKETT and it is expected to reach our living rooms early next year.
Each episode will see two couples compete against each other in a series of challenges and games to win a variety of prizes — including a dream honeymoon.
Lovely Lorraine, who will juggle the new gig with her current ITV commitment hosting her own morning programme, was chosen after wowing producers and a live audience during a pilot show filmed this summer.
A source said: “Lorraine did a great job and BBC bosses had no doubt once they’d seen her in action, she was a natural at hosting the show.
“She will line up alongside Rob who will inject a bit of added humour into the show, as they try to give a lucky couple a really special wedding day.
“Bosses hope it will fill a gap in the Saturday-night schedule.
“They think it will be a good, old-fashioned, family-oriented hit.”
The show, which is being made by the same production firm as LEN GOODMAN’s new venture Partners In Rhyme, was announced by the BBC earlier this year.
The Corporation is looking to fill a scheduling hole left by the big-money defection of singing contest The Voice to ITV.
The direct replacement launched at the time was Pitch Battle, but that has now been axed after just one series.
I have a feeling that with the talented Lorraine at the helm this idea will fare much, much better.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Abba-Go Hero
LATE Late Show host JAMES CORDEN is no stranger to dressing up for his talk show, now he’s donned this ABBA catsuit to recreate the magic of Mamma Mia! for Sky 1’s A League of Their Own.
In scenes to be screened tonight James, JACK WHITEHALL, JAMIE REDKNAPP and FREDDIE FLINTOFF don the famous flared outfits for a rendition of Waterloo.
The resemblance is uncanny . . .
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Strictly Shirl's Du Date
SHIRLEY BALLAS is ready to put her twist on Strictly’s reputation for breeding romance.
The new head judge teased: “Who could be the next Strictly couple to get married? I’m not sure.
“Could it be me? You’ll just have to watch this space.”
Shirley split with husband Corky in 2007 and he went on to date dancer KRISTINA RIHANOFF before the Russian met rugby player BEN COHEN on the show.
Shirley has a man in her sights, saying: “I’d like to do a number with ANTON DU BEKE. I certainly would. A nice ballroom number, or a beautiful and smooth waltz.”
She’ll have to snatch him off celeb partner RUTH LANGSFORD first.
bizbit
HOLLYOAKS actress JORGIE PORTER had a good time on her recent trip to Los Angeles. She said: “I went back to doing what I love doing. Learning, dance classes, working out a lot, acting classes . . . and dating American men.”
Friends in high places
THE only time politics usually ends up on my TV column is when I’m writing about hit American shows Scandal or House Of Cards.
But yesterday one of my stories became the talking point in the House of Commons, so I’ll make an exception.
During the Punch and Judy show that is Prime Minister’s Questions, THERESA MAY quoted my exclusive on eccentric MP MICHAEL FABRICANT preparing for an appearance on a popular TV dating show.
The PM joked: “I have noticed that my honourable friend is shortly to appear on a Channel 4 programme called Celebrity First Dates.
“What I’m not sure about is whether my honourable friend is the celebrity or the first date.”
Hmm, not sure she understands what the programme is all about, but it’s nice to see my reports illuminating Parliament.
Tory Michael will be ditching his constituents in Lichfield for a night in FRED SIRIEIX’s restaurant of singletons, which I also told you last week will be welcoming X Factor winner MATT TERRY.
Mop-haired Michael has been coy about his sexuality in the past, admitting he has “done things with a bloke” and once joked that he was having an affair with a llama.
Sounds like Channel 4 will have at least one extra viewer, Theresa will be putting down her papers at No10 and reaching for the TV remote.
bizbit
SUSANNA REID will be helping shoppers to save money on their bills for another year. The Good Morning Britain host is returning to ITV’s Save Money: Good Food with chef and co-host MATT TEBBUTT for a second series.
soapbox
DENISE is on tenterhooks in EASTENDERS as she waits for news about Kush, fearing their argument could have caused heart attack.
Fi organises a champagne reception to show Grafton Hill’s support for the community, but Whitney starts to think she might be siding with them after she hears a suspicious phone call.
In HOLLYOAKS, it’s Darren’s last day of freedom and he’s hoping to spend it with Nancy.
But she’s goes to work instead of staying with him and the kids.
When he surprises her at the school, she’s furious and sends him away.
Things only get worse for former gambling addict Darren when he rocks up at Damon’s bar for a poker night.
That’ll end well.
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WHY? Six adventurers with disabilities, including Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster crash victim Vicky Balch, battle the odds to travel along the testing Ho Chi Minh trail.