Jedward say no to I'm A Celeb...as cash fee too small

Melanie Finn, Showbusiness Editor

POP twins Jedward won't be munching on creepy crawlies with an appearance on this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

John and Edward Grimes (20) were among the big names linked with the hit ITV reality show which is due to start filming in Australia shortly.

But the Herald can reveal they have no plans to appear on the show, which this year features a spin-off hosted by Bray presenter Laura Whitmore.

A source close to the madcap pair has explained how they won't be heading Down Under -- unless they net a larger fee.

The pair picked up a reported €1m for appearing on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother last summer, their first stint on a reality show.

However, the amount of cash offered to the pair for I'm A Celebrity... was nowhere near as generous.

"The money just wasn't good enough," said an insider. "They can command huge fees as producers know they're TV gold, so it has to be worth their while.

"This is the third time Jedward have been offered the show. Their names have been linked with the programme for the past three years but they've never done it as they were always too busy with their touring schedule. It's the same thing this year.

"It's not like it's an easy show to do either -- they really make the celebrities work for their pay cheque."

And this year's programme looks set to be the most challenging to date. Programme bosses even plan to put camel blood on the menu for its Bushtucker 'bush buffet' trial.

Other delicacies will include emu liver, rat brains, crocodile foreskin, deer penis and rotting duck egg.

Jedward weren't the only Irish stars approached to take part in the programme.

WAG Claudine Keane was mentioned as a possible contestant, given her rising profile in the States. However, she has not yet indicated whether she'll do the show yet or not.

Among the British celebrities linked with the new series is hamster-eating comedian Freddie Starr, who has picked up a massive €280,000 appearance fee.

Other names who have been linked with the show include Kerry Katona, Bernie Ecclestone's socialite daughter Tamara and star of ITV comedy drama Benidorm Crissy Rock.

mfinn@herald.ie