Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond to be protected by former SBS for Colombia Grand Tour TV special
THE last time JEREMY CLARKSON and co headed to South America they were attacked by angry Argentinians.
The natives had taken offence to a number plate they assumed was a nod to the Falklands War.
But if things go wrong this time round Jeremy, JAMES MAY and RICHARD HAMMOND are in good hands.
I am told the presenters are being protected by former SBS commandos while they film a Grand Tour special in Colombia.
Bosses took the unprecedented move to hire the security because of the country’s struggles with kidnapping and murder.
A show source said: “Amazon spend a fortune on the show but you can’t put a price on the safety of Jeremy, James and Richard, given they are the stars.
“Crime levels are very high in Colombia and they didn’t want to take any risks.
“They have brought in the best security, which is made up of former SBS commandos who will have seen everything in their careers.
“The last time they were in South America was for Top Gear and that ended very badly. They are not going looking for trouble, but if it finds them they are well guarded.”
Their Patagonia Special was the last stand-alone episode they shot before leaving the BBC in 2015.
Things turned ugly when locals believed the licence plate “H982 FKL” on a Porsche that was being driven by Jeremy was a deliberate reference to the 1982 conflict.
It got so bad that the crew had to flee to capital Buenos Aires or leave the country completely.
The trio are already in Colombia shooting the special for the Amazon Prime series.
The episode, to be screened later this year, was meant to be filmed in October but was delayed after Jeremy went to hospital with pneumonia and nearly died.
That’s even more dramatic than all his years on Top Gear.
READ ON FOR MORE OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Crazy about Jobert's shorts
DEATH In Paradise won’t be meeting a grisly end – helped by JOSEPHINE JOBERT’s shorts.
The French actress said: “All the fans talk about are my shorts. It’s crazy.”
Josephine, who is ARDAL O’HANLON’s sidekick Florence, will be back with the cast in the Caribbean after the Beeb commissioned series eight.
Move over Ant and Dec
TELLY already has ANT and DEC and HOLLY and PHIL – but now the world needs to prepare for team KEM CETINAY and SCARLETT MOFFATT.
The duo are joining forces on future presenting jobs.
Kem says he is happy to trade in his Love Island pal CHRIS HUGHES for the jungle queen because of their “chemistry”.
In an exclusive interview, Kem said: “Quite a few people have said they can really imagine us presenting together, and we’ve said it would be fun.
“I would definitely be up for working with her. We are similar and have good banter. We would be good doing it together – we have good chemistry.”
Kem presented with Chris on the red carpet at the National Television Awards this month. But now he is keen for a female sidekick.
He said: “I do get on with girls, obviously.”
Everyone knows that much from his time in the Love Island villa.
Roll the ball out
IF there is one thing the BBC has in abundance right now it is quiz shows.
But bosses still don’t seem content with the current crop that includes Pointless and Eggheads – because they are lining up a new one.
Producers behind hit series The Million Pound Drop have been commissioned to create a big-cash gameshow called Moneyball.
Contestants, who can apply now, have the chance to win thousands of pounds in return for answering general knowledge questions, while trying to outrun a giant ball.
A source said: “While viewers are losing interest in talent shows by the millions, there is a real appetite for gameshows on telly.
“People like a format which means they can play along at home and Beeb bigwigs want to focus on that.”
BBC no to Len's rhyming show
LEN GOODMAN was used to having millions of viewers and primetime success as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
But his own telly efforts have gone pear-shaped.
I revealed last year his teatime game show Partners In Rhyme was such a disaster BBC bosses removed the series finale from scheduling.
And host Len has now confirmed that the show, which saw contestants and celebrities tackle a series of rhyming challenges, is set for the scrapheap.
He said: “That is over with now. I don’t suppose they are doing another one. I don’t think it went down brilliantly well.
“But all I am interested in is enjoying myself. I don’t mind working, especially when it’s fun to do.
I had so much fun doing it. It was great, I enjoyed it.”
If only viewers could say the same.
Big deal for Stan
COMPARED to the trials of I’m A Celebrity, STANLEY JOHNSON’s concern over his next TV project seems trivial.
BORIS JOHNSON’s dad is nervous about viewers’ reactions to his appearance on the new series of BBC1’s The Real Marigold Hotel.
He said: “My only worry is that I filmed this before I went into the jungle. People are going to say, ‘How come Stanley’s put all that weight back on?’ Because I was a slimline Johnson.”
The travel documentary, due to be screened in the spring, sees Stanley explore India with SELINA SCOTT, SYD LITTLE and .
He said: “My favourite moment was when we played cricket against a top-notch Indian team. Oddly enough, Ian Krankie was the best player.”
Soapbox
AN ultimatum is issued in EMMERDALE as Cain pleads with Moira not to leave.
He insists that if she really loved him she would meet him at the bridge – but his words only make her upset and frustrated.
Elsewhere, Zak turns resident love doctor, dishing out relationship advice.
In EASTENDERS, Aidan finally loses his patience over the missing money and goes to extreme measures to find it.
Tensions in Albert Square are at an all-time high and he feels under pressure to solve the mystery.
Meanwhile, Denise grows suspicious when Kim asks for Kush’s help in getting a DNA sample from her.
Kim is forced to confess her true motive behind the actions.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
must watch
WHAT? Animals with Cameras, BBC1, 8pm.
WHY? A fascinating new series getting as close as possible to creatures – by attaching cameras to them. Presented by wildlife cameraman GORDON BUCHANAN.
bizbit
REECE SHEARSMITH has revealed BBC2’s Inside No.9 could be ending after the current batch of twisted tales, which returned for a fourth series in the new year.
He tweeted: “Last episode next week and that’s that.”