Channel 4 prison show HMP given shock new twist as all-male line up prepare to get locked up
STARS doing time on Channel 4’s new prison show HMP are in for a real surprise.
I can exclusively reveal that the celebs will be banged up with former convicts who will help them get by in the clink.
The programme, set to be filmed later this year, will see famous faces put behind bars to give them a true taste of prison life.
A telly source said: “The brains behind HMP have decided to add a twist to the show by bringing former prisoners on board.
“They will film with the stars and give them a real idea of life when you’re locked up. Bosses felt that it would give a different edge to the show and bring a bit of grit.”
I revealed earlier this year how a pilot episode had been filmed and given the green light.
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My person on the inside told me at the time: “The idea behind the show is it gives people who might have zero experience of prison life, or the criminal justice system, a taste of just what it is like.
“That could include famous people who have looked at incarceration from a different angle — whether they’re ex-police officers, politicians or actors who’ve played crooks but never actually been banged up.
“They’re expecting it to be a tough watch and a tough endurance test for those taking part, but the fact that it is so challenging is part of its appeal.”
Filming will take place in a former prison and will have an all-male cast.
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Get public talking
Channel 4 said they commissioned the show to reveal the workings of Britain’s penal systems and to get the public talking.
A spokesperson told me: “This documentary series explores prison life to ask the question, what is the best way to rehabilitate Britain’s criminals?”
I don’t think there is an easy answer to that question.
But for now, I can think of a few telly stars I would like to throw in the slammer.
STRICTLY A BIG NO
MO GILLIGAN is being urged to dig out his dancing shoes and sign up for Strictly.
Former winner Rose Ayling-Ellis and Vernon Kay, husband of host Tess Daly, rallied the comedian on his Latish Show, which airs tomorrow night on Channel 4.
The audience was equally keen for him to appear, after Rose asked if he would ever compete in the BBC1 dance contest.
But Mo had a convenient excuse for turning any offers down, claiming he had a “broken foot” – the same injury currently being nursed by his other guest Will Poulter.
Mo is already a fixture on Saturday night telly, courtesy of his judging role on ITV1’s The Masked Singer.
That beats being rollocked by Craig Revel Horwood every week.
GRIN HER NEW ROLE
LINDSAY Duncan is clearly chuffed to begin work on new drama Truelove.
The Scottish actress was snapped grinning on set after being drafted in to replace Julie Walters in the lead role, after the Mamma Mia! actress pulled out through injury.
Filming of the drama – about a group of friends reunited at a funeral – was paused back in August last year after Julia suffered severe back pain.
After seeking medical advice, she withdrew from the Channel 4 series, prompting Lindsay’s signing.
The actress was filming in Bristol for the six-part show in which she plays former police chief Phil.
Sue Johnston and Clarke Peters also feature.
JACK: DAD IS MORE FAMOUS
JACK Whitehall says his Travels With My Father series has made his dad more famous than him in the States.
The comic’s Netflix show sees him and ex-showbiz agent Michael visit various places across the globe.
And Jack says US audiences recall his dad’s antics, while seeing him as the “doofus son”.
He explains: “I created this monster. In America, two dudes walked past and one was like, ‘Oh That’s the guy from Travels with my Father.’ He’s like. ‘What’s that?’ ‘It’s a show about an esteemed English gentleman who travels the world with his doofus son.’
Speaking to the Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake podcast, he added: “That’s all I am now. The doofus son.”
He’s probably been called worse.
SAS ANT BACK IN ACTION!
LOOK out, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, a new movie hardman has arrived – Ant Middleton.
The former SAS: Who Dares Wins star has landed his first movie role, playing the lead in action thriller Shelter.
He’s taking on the part of hitman Rob Shaw who, in the midst of a global nuclear event, has to take on a gang of ex-soldiers who take control of the bunker his family have taken shelter in.
Ant says: “Normally I’m the one doing the screaming and shouting but stepping into the acting world the tables have w turned.
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“With an awesome team at my side, there really are no excuses not to make ripples through the industry.”
Filming gets under way in July – around the same time Ant will no doubt be making space on his mantlepiece for an Oscar.
HANNAH’S ON SONG AT XMAS
EUROVISION host Hannah Waddingham was such a hit fronting last Saturday’s ceremony she has landed her own show.
She’s been given the chance to show off her singing by recording a Christmas special for AppleTV+, home of her other show Ted Lasso.
The special, called Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas, will be filmed at London’s Coliseum this month in front of an audience.
A TV insider says: “Hannah is hot property at the moment.
“She’s always had her big supporters but since Eurovision, her status has rocketed. It’s likely this will be the first of many big gigs she will receive off the back of her impressive hosting alongside Graham Norton.”
Hannah, who’s starred in West End shows including The Wizard of Oz, is also featuring in new ITVX drama Tom Jones as Lady Bellaston.