Beverley Callard has reportedly signed up for the next series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’.
The ‘Coronation Street’ actress – who will leave her role as Liz McDonald this summer – is believed to be the first famous face to have agreed to head out to Australia later this year to take part in the tough reality show.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Everyone was thrilled when Bev said yes, she is such a well-loved ITV face".
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, producers are said to be confident lockdown rules will have been lifted by the time the show is due to film and so early plans are currently underway as normal.
Bookers for the competition have been holding meetings via video conference software Zoom with potential contestants.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "ITV are certain lockdown will be well over by the time ‘I’m A Celeb’ normally starts which is in November.
"Every year it’s a ratings smash and this year will more than likely be even bigger as the public will be desperate for some fresh and uplifting TV.
"ITV have started hiring crew as well as advertising for them Down Under.
"And bookers are still on the case with celebrities, holding meetings on the likes of Zoom."
‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ cheat Charles Ingram, former ‘The One Show’ host Matt Baker, ex-footballer Eric Cantona and dancer AJ Pritchard have all been tipped to take part in the new series.
The pandemic has caused disruption to a number of shows, with soaps including ‘EastEnders’, ‘Hollyoaks’, ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Emmerdale’ reducing their schedule as they can no longer film, while ‘The Apprentice’ will not air this year but may produce two series for 2021.
The summer series of ‘Love Island’ is also believed to be in doubt.