After Ferne Cotton’s ten long years on the show, those are some big Celebrity Juice shoes to fill.
And a new report claims that none other than Paddy McGuinness is set to fill them, with producers hoping it’ll be a “ratings winner.”
Insiders told The Mirror bosses have confirmed the Take Me Out star as the new team captain, saying: “It might seem a shock but he was everyone’s No 1.”
Paddy, 45, has appeared on the ITV comedy panel show – hosted by Keith Lemon – many times over the years and the source adds: “When he’s on Celebrity Juice, the ratings shoot up to their highest. Bosses are hoping he will be a ratings winner.”
Fans rushed to comment on Twitter about the report, with some asking Paddy directly: “@PaddyMcGuinness Are you going to replace Fearne Cotton on Celebrity Juice @CelebJuice?”
Another tweeted: “@PaddyMcGuinness congratulations on becoming the new team captain on Celebrity Juice. Looking forward to the new series and laughs!”
A third wrote: “Good choice!”
Some were not so sure of the appointment, with one writing: “I love @PaddyMcGuinness but I’d have preferred another female.”
Another said: “I’ve watched the show since the very beginning, but this isn’t a good choice. Should have been Emily Atack or Kelly Brook. All the show will be now is gross-out ‘games’ and it’ll be a long, long way from what it used to be.”
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Fearne, 37, made the sad announcement she was leaving the show in December.
She wrote beside a montage of pics from the series: “After ten incredible years I am leaving Celebrity Juice. I walk away with a ton of amazing memories and will miss working with the brilliant team on camera and behind the scenes.
“So much love and luck to them all on future series #nostrils.”
Her bestie and co-star Holly Willoughby took to social media with a picture of them sucking a banana, and writing: “I’m going to miss you being on the other side of my banana… thank you for 10 years of laughter…. Love you @fearnecotton… we are going to MISS you on @celebjuiceofficial SOOO much xxx.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrhnQtFFReO/
Show host Keith Lemon also paid tribute to Fearne, writing: “End of an era! Gonna miss @fearnecotton Fanks for the fun times. Love you deeply!”
Initial reports had I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star Emily Atack in the frame, as fans begged for her to get the job.
Model and TV star Kelly Brook was also touted as a possible replacement.
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