THE BBC has come up with an unusual way to find a replacement for the departing Gary Lineker.
They launching what sounds like an X Factor for football experts called Last Pundit Standing, which will see 12 hopefuls put through their paces with the winner becoming one of the Beeb’s sport contributors.
5
And who better to present it than Troy Deeney, who’s not just a columnist for The Sun but also a footballer-turned-pundit himself.
Troy, who’ll co-host with James Allcott said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to co-host Last Pundit Standing.
“There’s something really special about the energy that surrounds an exciting new show like this.
“We’re bringing together some amazing creators in incredible locations, with some huge special guests.
“I can’t wait to dive in and have some fun over the series.”
The seven-part series, which has yet to get an air date, is a co-production between Boom Social, which is part of ITV Studios, and JLA Productions for BBC Three and iPlayer.
A dozen of the UK’s most-passionate football fanatics, who all love creating content about the beautiful game on their social media channels, have been selected to battle it out.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, said: “These are 12 of the brightest football creators out there, the future of the football media industry.”
He added: “Seeing who comes out on top and lands the job should make great viewing.”
SEEMS PAPA DOES PREACH
HE will soon be donning the long black robes of Harry Potter antihero Severus Snape but first Paapa Essiedu will be fitted out in the black cloth of the clergy.
The actor, who was confirmed to be playing Snape in HBO’s television remake of the schoolboy wizard’s adventures, plays a Catholic priest in new Channel 4 drama Falling.
5
He will be joined by Miss Austen actress Keeley Hawes as a devoted nun, who falls in love with the clergyman, leaving the duo wrestling with their life-long vows.
From the writer of Netflix hit Adolescence, Jack Thorne, the six-part story will follow the duo as they navigate their relationship with God as they grow closer together.
The duo will be joined on screen by Gavin & Stacey’s Adrian Scarborough, Coma’s Jason Wakins, Kaos’s Rakie Ayola, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office’s Susan Brown and The Last Kingdom’s David Dawson.
CAMILLE SAYS NON TO PARIS
CAMILLE RAZAT has revealed she’s quitting Emily In Paris.
The French actress, who has played Camille deLalisse, since the series’ 2020 debut, took to social media to confirm she has left the show ahead of filming for series five.
5
In her time on the Netflix show she has gone from main character Emily Cooper’s best friend to one of her main love rivals in recent series.
Camille wrote: “This character has meant a lot to me, and I feel her storyline has come to an end. It felt like the right time to explore new horizons.
“I leave with nothing but love for the cast, crew and fans who have supported us along the way. Thank you for the beautiful ride.”
Camille will soon star in Disney+ series Lost Station Girls and Netflix show Nero.
COUNT ON SAM’S MONTE CRISTO
SAM CLAFLIN rose to fame as a hunky pirate missionary in Pirates Of The Caribbean, now he will be back sailing the seven seas as a young sailor accused of treason in a classic adventure story.
The actor, who most recently starred in Prime Video drama Daisy Jones & The Six, will be locked up without trial for crimes he did not commit in his role as Edmond Dantes in The Count Of Monte Cristo.
5
The eight-episode series, which will air on U&Drama and streaming service U, is based on the 19th-century novel by Alexandre Dumas, which follows Edmond’s journey of escape.
The former sailor assumes the identity of the wealthy and enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, using his new-found resources to embark on a journey of revenge against those who wronged him.
Sam will be joined on screen by Blake Ritson, Karla-Simone Spence, Harry Taurusi, Poppy Corby Tuech, Ana Girardot and Gabriella Pession. The series is due to air this summer.
ANNE’S CASE STUDIES
ANNE ROBINSON’s new Channel 5 show, The Sentence: You Be the Judge, will air on May 6.
I can exclusively reveal that the programme, which examines the controversial process of sentencing offenders, will delve into a particularly harrowing case.
5
Ellie Gould was just 17 when she was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend, fellow pupil Thomas Griffiths, in Wiltshire in 2019.
He tried to make it look like her wounds were self inflicted after the attack which took place after their relationship ended.
In the show Anne will look at whether the sentence given to Griffiths, who was also 17, was fair.
It is one of several cases the programme will look at, the other being that of Hollyoaks actress Frankie Jules-Hough, who was killed by a BMW driver travelling at 92mph on a motorway.
The programme will allow viewers the chance to compare their judgments about convicted criminals against those of real judges, and panels of experts.
A JEOPARDY! contestant made history after scooping the daytime show’s biggest ever win.
Yesterday, hotel receptionist Ben Jones, from Caerphilly, took home a huge jackpot of £64,530 – the largest cash sum across all series, and one of the biggest wins on daytime TV on Channel 4.
AMY DOWDEN and Karen Hauer are among the Strictly stars joining singer Fleur East for VE Day 80: A Celebration To Remember, airing on BBC One on May 8.
The event will be hosted by Zoe Ball and feature Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Sir Derek Jacobi.