BASKIN IS BOX OFFICE
ITV bosses dreaming of signing up Tiger King star Carole Baskin for I’m A Celeb are set to go to war with rival US telly producers.
ABC’S Dancing With The Stars, based on Strictly, have reached out to the animal rights’ activist who found fame earlier this year as the nemesis of Joe Exotic.
Executives on both sides of the Atlantic have a war chest to spend on talent and insiders say it will come down to which Carole wants to do.
ITV have six weeks to convince Carole to face the bushtucker trials in the Aussie jungle.
A source in Los Angeles said: “It will be a battle for her signature.
“Carole is without a doubt one of the year’s biggest celebrities thanks to Tiger King as well as one of the most eccentric. For reality shows she is the type of unique character that draws viewers and talking points.
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ABC look to expand their net of talent every year and Carole is on their radar in a big way. What they offer Carole is a great opportunity to showcase herself without too much prying into her personal life. “ITV have deeper pockets for sure and can appeal to her desire for adventure in Australia, interacting with wild animals. Carole may have to deal with more personal matters being in the camp though.
“It is going to be a fascinating few weeks.”
Police in Hillsborough County in Florida are probing the disappearance of her husband Don Lewis. He disappeared in 1997 and was declared legally dead in 2002. Carole denies any involvement and the police admitted recently they have no new leads. Carole was left with $5million in assets including his animal sanctuary.