FORGET the Love Island Hideaway, there’s a new shagging spot in TV land.
I’m told that to spice things up on this year’s Celebs Go Dating, producers have allowed the contestants some private time away from prying eyes.
The upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating will feature stars including Wayne Lineker, Curtis Pritchard and Chloe Ferry
They’re filming at a £30million mansion on an estate in Surrey
The upcoming E4 series, with a cast including Wayne Lineker, Curtis Pritchard and Chloe Ferry, is being filmed at a Surrey mansion.
And the programme’s bosses are allowing contestants to skulk away to a cottage in the grounds of the £30million estate if they make a “connection” with their prospective love interests.
What’s more, I’m told TWO of this year’s line-up have used the cottage with their dates.
A source said: “Getting a night in the Hideaway has been a staple of Love Island and it’s led to saucy scenes.
Producers on the new series seem to have taken inspiration from Love Island’s Hideaway
“With no show on this spring, Celebs Go Dating bosses thought they’d make the most of it and have let their stars use the cottage for some private time.
“They told the cast that if they have a connection they will be granted an overnight stay, but they have to show they’re serious and not just up for some nookie.
“At least two of the celebs managed to get a stay and made the most of it.”
As well as Wayne, Curtis and Chloe, I revealed last year that Made In Chelsea’s Sophie Hermann, Corrie’s Kimberly Hart-Simpson, presenter Karim Zeroual, and DJ Tom Zanetti would also be in the line-up.
Stars will be able to skulk away from the mansion to a cosy cottage on the grounds
The celebs will be able to get some privacy if they form a ‘connection’ with their dates
Unlike in previous years, the celebrities will be living among their dates in the mansion.
Not being able to escape their suitors will no doubt make for some awkward moments — as well as some naughty ones, it seems.
Contestants Sophie Hermann and Tom Zanetti gave a glimpse into the incredible mansion
Russell T’s cheeky nod to 80s Phil
THERE’S a cheeky reference to Phillip Schofield in upcoming Channel 4 drama, It’s A Sin.
In one scene in the show, which is set in the Eighties, two men discuss gay stars who aren’t publicly out of the closet. And they’re scandalised by the fact the list includes Phillip.
Phillip Schofield was a teen heart-throb when he joined Children’s BBC in the 1980s
In 2020 the This Morning host admitted he was gay.
But when he joined Children’s BBC in 1985, Phillip was a heart-throb for teenage girls as he introduced kids’ shows from the “broom cupboard” with puppet Gordon the Gopher.
One of the It’s A Sin characters says: “I had a friend who works in the broom cupboard who said he’s at it like Billy-o!”
Of course, this detail might not be based on insider knowledge. However, It’s A Sin’s writer Russell T Davies also started working at Children’s BBC in 1985.
Sheri’s got lorra love for dogs
QUITE a few viewers will have been surprised to see Sheridan Smith hosting new BBC1 show Pooch Perfect.
But it turns out to be the paw-fect role for the award-winning actress.
Sheridan Smith hosted the second episode of new BBC1 show Pooch Perfect
The Cilla star, who presents the second episode of the dog grooming contest tonight, absolutely adores our four-legged friends.
Sheridan, who wasn’t on TV much last year due to Covid-19 and giving birth to her first son, Billy, said: “When I was growing up, we’d sometimes take on stray dogs, who would become my best mates.”
She explained: “I think it’s the loyalty that I love. They are always there if you have a bad day, whether you leave the house for five seconds or five weeks, and they are so excited to see you.”
Turns out dogs aren’t just a man’s best friend, but a woman’s too.