WHEN ITV signed up stars for its new TV show Don’t Rock The Boat, the dozen celebrities chosen to take part were expected to do just that.
But when Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay was faced with the gruelling task of rowing from Land’s End to John O’Groats, he jumped ship.
And that was before the competition had even started.
An insider said: “Kem was as keen as anything to take part in the show when he first signed up.
“He loves keeping fit and the idea of rowing 650 miles with a load of other stars seemed like a good laugh.
“The 12 celebs were split into two teams and had to compete against one another.
“But when it came down to the actual task the prospect of it proved too much and he left on the first day of training.
“The sea is choppy and the wind would have been blowing a gale.
“The show definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted and those taking part need to be totally committed.
“It was a massive blow for the team working on the show because they were left desperately needing a replacement for Kem’s boat.
“Those left behind felt they’d be left in the lurch.”
Pals close to Kem insisted it wasn’t the tough task ahead that made him lose his sea legs, however.
They said it was his dedication to playing at Soccer Aid — which takes place next month — that led to him pulling out.
A friend said: “It’s a tough competition and not for everyone. Kem decided it wasn’t for him after arriving on the first day of the training camp.”
The show, fronted by ex- cricketer and Top Gear host Freddie Flintoff, continued as the hunt for another star got under way.
I’m all for a challenge but this one does sound pretty tough.
Hopefully they’ll find someone made of stronger stuff to replace him.
