ITV bosses are quietly tapping up a string of famous faces to appear on their new dating show Secret Crush despite the show being billed as a civilian.
Daily Star can reveal that a host of reality stars have been in talks with producers of the upcoming series to help make it a ratings success.
A source told Daily Star: “Secret Crush was billed as a standard public dating show but behind the scenes things have changed.
“Bosses have been reaching out to reality stars to take part.
“They think it will give the show a new dimension and help with ratings but if there’re not careful it will be similar to Celebs Go Dating.
(Image: ITV2)
“Producers are keen to be as inclusive as possible and have reached out to stars of all sexualities.”
ITV teased the show earlier this year by promising to get the nation to come clean to their crushes on camera.
The station said: “Whether they’ve been secretly dreaming of dating their best friend, colleague or gym buddy, it’s time for the lovelorn to publicly admit the desires they’ve been keeping bottled up.
(Image: Rachel Joseph)
“But will their affections be reciprocated? Is love going to blossom? Or should their secret crush have actually stayed secret? For the four hopefuls in each episode, it’s time to find out.”
ITV’s Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Paul Mortimer previously said: “ITV2’s audience will hopefully be enthralled by this wonderful format that propels potential relationships to a must-watch crunch point.
Meanwhile, Naked Television executive producer Tom O’Brien makers Naked Television said: “We can’t wait to get producing Secret Crush for the team at ITV2. It’s full of heart-in-your-hands confessions, humour, and unbelievable stories, all to the flutter of cupid’s tiny wings.”
A rep for ITV and Fremantle has been contacted by Daily Star for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
