MTV’s Ex On The Beach to return after axing last series in wake of Mike Thalassitis’ death
THE death of Mike Thalassitis prompted an overhaul of ITV2’s Love Island — but MTV bosses still have some catching up to do.
I can reveal that channel chiefs are set to bring back Ex On The Beach this year, after previously canning the last series in the wake of Mike taking his own life.
The tragic Love Islander took part in the last season of the MTV reality show — but it has never been aired.
A TV source said: “It looked like the show might have been over for good when it didn’t come back, but that isn’t the case.
“Bosses still believe in the format and they’re going to try to learn the same lessons as Love Island.
“They definitely don’t feel it’s over yet, even though some fans might question the decision.”
ITV2’s Love Island introduced new measures for the contestants including financial management, social media training as well as access to round-the-clock counselling in the wake of the suicides of Mike and fellow former Islander Sophie Gradon.
A statement from MTV at the time of Mike’s death, in March, said: “We were very sad to hear the tragic news and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“Last year, Mike took part in filming for the next series of Ex on the Beach, which was due to air on MTV later in the year.
“In light of the news of Mike’s death, we have decided not to broadcast the planned 10th season of the show.”
For me, it’s time they binned the concept for good.
READ ON FOR MORE OF ANDY HALLS' BIZARRE TV COLUMN
soapbox
GARY can’t stop lying in CORONATION STREET but the game looks almost up. He is evasive when confronted by Sarah before telling Sharon Rick has fled the country. But karma bites as police haul him in for questioning over the factory roof collapse and his involvement with Rick.
He tries to keep cool but the mask slips as he finds Sarah reported him to cops. And he’s terrified as Sharon reveals Kelly reported Rick missing.
In EMMERDALE, Doug should stick to birdwatching. He is determined to continue his hobby as manager of The Woolpack Bear Cubs but doubts begin to mount about whether he’s been up to the job since his back injury. Bob and Bear sense the position is up for grabs and prepare to pounce if Doug lets up.
Louie: Work's reality hard
HE has appeared on ten reality shows, but dancer Louie Spence says it is harder to land a spot on them these days as TV bosses are too concerned with box ticking.
The Pineapple Dance Studios star reckons producers’ quest for diversity is out of control.
The flamboyant choreographer, who has appeared on The Jump, Celebrity Call Centre, Celebs On The Farm and Celebrity Big Brother to name a few, said: “It’s getting more and more difficult to get cast on TV shows. It’s not enough to be gay any more.
“Everyone is so worried about being politically correct, the best people for the job aren’t always being cast. It’s tough.” Louie, who is working with East Midlands Trains to promote paperless ticketing, said: “I’m nearly 50 and I think I’ll be working for many years yet, I’m not ready to hang up my dancing shoes.”
It’s wise not to give up your day job, Louis, particularly if the telly work is drying up.
Morgan he bargained for
PIERS Morgan has been branded fat by an obese model on Good Morning Britain.
The ITV host slammed Angelina Duplisea, who stars in Miley Cyrus’ Mother’s Daughter video, for “celebrating a body image which is medically defined as highly dangerous”.
But Angelina hit back: “You’re not exactly slim yourself.”
Natalia's a natty dresser
AS NANCY Wheeler in Stranger Things, we’re not used to seeing actress Natalia Dyer looking quite so glamorous.
But she was just that as she stepped out in New York in a Tartan skirt, heels and shades.
Judging by this picture, it is easy to see why she caught co-star Charlie Heaton’s eye when they met on the Netflix sci-fi horror series playing boyfriend and girlfriend.
I mean, those neon heels would have been hard for him to miss.
bizbit
LOVE Island’s Amy Hart will be joining Loose Women as a guest panellist. She said: “I’m so excited – I’ve been a fan of Loose Women since I was 12. Can’t wait to see the see the ladies next Wednesday.”
Gobby Rob is so savage
ROB Beckett, the man with the biggest grin in showbiz, is set to wipe the smile off celebrities’ faces with his new show Savage Socials.
The comic will scour social media for the E4 series to find what famous faces have been saying and doing online.
He will also reveal the most topical, hilarious and outrageous posts made by members of the public.
The show will capture the fads and events from the previous week.
It is set to air this autumn and will start with eight weekly episodes followed by two one-hour end-of-year specials.
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Rob said: “Social media is one of the best and worst things to happen to humanity and it’s about time there was a show that rinsed the good, the bad and the celebrity.”
After hearing his mickey-taking voiceovers on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, I’m looking forward to him mocking more famous faces.
must watch
WHAT? Remarkable Places To Eat, BBC2, 8pm.
WHY? In this new series, First Dates’ head waiter Fred Sirieix travels the world with top chefs exploring the most luxurious places to dine. First stop: Venice.