‘We would’ve had handbags at Dawn’
SINITTA BACKS OUT OF CBB OVER BUST-UP FEARS
SINITTA has revealed she pulled out of Celebrity Big Brother over fears rival Dawn Ward would attack her.
Negotiations with producers fell apart when the singer insisted on security guards in the house.
Two years ago the former friends had an explosive clash at a fancy lunch – and Dawn was later found guilty of assault for prodding Sinitta’s shoulder.
We told last month how they were set for another showdown after both signing up for CBB, which returns on Tuesday.
But after seeing our exclusive story Sinitta started to worry about her safety.
In an exclusive chat, she said: “I know Dawn is going into the house but thank God I am not.
“I did ask for 24-hour security as I have been hit once in my life and I did not want to be hit again.”
Sinitta, 53, and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn, 43, were once close pals but they have not spoken since the incident.
She added: “I just wish Dawn all the best. I won’t be watching as I will be doing other things.”
CBB chiefs are said to be annoyed they have lost one of their biggest names.
And Sinitta is convinced she has ruined her chances of ever taking part.
She said: “Now that I have alienated Big Brother with my diva demands I would have to do another show like Strictly. I need to get on there.
“I don’t know if they want me, though. But I would be good with all the gorgeous dresses and the pretty men. It’s everything I would like. I would be a dream.”
The former pop star thinks her ex Simon Cowell would be happier for her to do the dancing show than CBB.
She said: “Simon wouldn’t mind me doing Strictly because at least I would not be able to talk very much. In Big Brother all you do is talk.”
A host of telly favourites have been signed up for the new series including Gogglebox’s Sandi Bogle and former EastEnder Shaun Williamson. Bookies Betfair have already made Shaun, 51, who played hapless Barry Evans, 9/2 favourite to win the series. The next best bet is former Hollyoaks star and Love Islander Paul Danan, 39. Channel 5 bosses recruited him in the hope he will bring some of his “Dangerous Danan” antics to the show. The rank outsider of the line-up is celebrity psychic and Most haunted star Derek Acorah, 67, who trails the field at 33/1.
Betfair spokesman Katie Baylis said: “Everyone loved Barry on EastEnders and we reckon viewers will take to him in the Big Brother house too.”
CBB kicks off on Tuesday at 9pm on Channel 5.