SAY YOU’LL B THERE
MEL B JOINS THE JUICE AS ITS LATEST TEAM CAPTAIN…
One of the team captain’s chairs was left open for the latest series of Celebrity Juice, when Paddy Mcguinness’ busy schedule meant he couldn’t commit. Thankfully, a long-term friend of Keith Lemon’s was available to step in – the one and only Mel B. Inside TV caught up with Mel backstage at the show to find out how she’s settling in…
Was it an instant yes when you were asked if you wanted to be team captain?
I’ve always been a big fan – but not just of
Celebrity Juice; I’ve done other shows of Keith’s, such as Through
The Keyhole, and skits with him and Patsy Kensit way back. I was with him last week, and he showed me a picture of us in Vegas – I was like, “Oh, my God, we’ve been taking the mickey out of each other for 11 years!” We really like each other, and now we’re working together, so it’s nice.
You’ve already been a panellist on the show several times – does that help?
Yeah, but you never really know what you’re getting into with this show! The most you know is who’s on your team for that evening – you don’t rehearse anything apart from your guest’s names! Every show is different, and I like that. It’s what I like to do best – have the room to be spontaneous.
Is there much rivalry is there between you and Holly Willoughby?
I mean, we both want to win! Then again, we’ve both nearly won a challenge. Last week, we were climbing up boxes – don’t even ask me what that was about – and it was obvious that Holly had won, yet I got the point, so you never know with Keith – it’s up to him; he decides!
Will viewers notice a different energy with you on the show?
I don’t know, you’ll have to ask the people who have been doing this for 22 seasons! Hopefully I just add an extra-loud laugh and bring a little bit more Northern-ness to the show. But, yeah, I get to dress up two or three times a week, get my make-up and hair done, put my heels on and do the stupidest things. And I enjoy it – it’s fun!