It’s working out well for Wicks

TV bosses rush to sign fitness guru

Bosses at Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celeb are working up a sweat... trying to land Joe Wicks.

The Beeb and ITV’s flagship reality shows are desperate to get the Nation’s PE Teacher after his family-friendly YouTube workouts have catapulted him to superstardom during the lockdown.

Sources say both the BBC and ITV want Joe on board in a bid to tap into his huge appeal to both young and old.

But no amount of money they have offered the 33-year-old personal trainer has convinced him to sign on the dotted line.

Millions of people around the world have been taking part in Joe’s free fitness sessions during the lockdown, which he has been putting on despite having a broken bone in his hand.

But on Friday, he was forced to go back into hospital for a second time after his injury began to “throb like hot magma”.

So far, his daily PE lessons have raised almost £100,000 for the NHS – and TV bosses are keen to cash in on his success.

But despite having mega-money deals on the table, telly insiders say Joe isn’t interested.

The source claims that in the past week, I’m A Celeb has been back in touch with Joe to up its previous offer from £170,000 to more than £300,000.

And Strictly bosses are desperate for him to agree to a meeting.

But one insider says: “He has been scouted for a third consecutive year by both shows but ruled them out point-blank because he fears taking part would damage his brand.”

Over the past six years, Joe has built his Body Coach business into a multimillion-pound empire, with his chirpy demeanour earning him millions of fans.

But the father-of two, who’s married to model Rosie Jones, is just not interested in the money.

Previously, Joe has said: “I grew up on a council estate. I didn’t come from a background of wealth. I still had a good life – and I’m still not motivated to be financially successful.

“I don’t look at the numbers, or think about financial gain.

“What makes me feel good is reaching people, trying to change the culture so parents want to exercise with their kids.”

The highest paid I’m A Celeb star was TV host Noel Edmonds, who received £600,000 in 2018.

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