Netflix’s Squid Game spin-off show will feature celebs battling public in cruel new twist
THE excitement that followed the arrival of Squid Game was only surpassed when Netflix announced it was making reality spin-off Squid Game: The Challenge.
And I can reveal that celebrities will now be competing alongside members of the public in the new show, which will see participants face the same stomach-churning challenges as in the South Korean hit drama.
And one of the first famous faces set to sign up is former Celebrity Big Brother star, Perez Hilton.
A TV insider said: “Fans are likely to be whipped into a total frenzy by these fresh revelations. It was thrilling enough to think they would see ordinary people attempting the tasks — though obviously no one will be hurt or killed attempting them.
“But the idea that celebs will be among those taking part adds a whole new dimension to the concept.
“Now all the talk will be around what other stars will be signing up for the show over the coming weeks.”
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The original drama saw hundreds of financially struggling people risk their lives competing in deadly games for a life-changing cash prize.
Similarly, Squid Game: The Challenge will feature 456 players, each battling to bag the prize of £3.8million over ten episodes.
Filming will take place in the UK, though invitations to take part were offered to people from any part of the world, providing they could speak English.
They will take part in trials similar to those featured in the show, created by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has backed the new interpretation.
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Plans for the reality version were announced five months ago following the huge response to the original Netflix drama which aired last year and became a global hit for the streaming giant.
Now it has been announced there will be a second series of the drama, which is likely to air next year, around the same time as the spin-off show.
Anyone still unfamiliar with Squid Game should brace themselves — it’s like Total Wipeout meets Reservoir Dogs . . .
GRETA'S TOAST TO BEANS
AFTER a hard day battling to save the planet, Greta Thunberg has an odd way to relax – with baked beans.
On Sky Max show The Russell Howard Hour, the teenage activist says: “When I was sailing the Atlantic Ocean (in 2019) I didn’t have much to do, so I sat there and ate one bean at a time. Then it became a comfort food.
“So when I am stressed, I eat beans one at a time.
“And I make frog hats to relax – hats for people, shaped like frogs.”
But eco warriors blocking roads and defacing paintings are unlikely to receive one from her – as she thinks they should hop off.
On tonight’s edition of the show she says: “It’s misleading as the ones who are really leading this fight are . . . mainly indigenous communities, people living in the most affected areas.
“It’s time to pass over the mic to those who have stories to tell.”
WHAT A DRAG, ADAM
ADAM Woodyatt didn’t have to delve too deep into his repertoire to find this grumpy expression.
The actor, best known for playing grouchy Ian Beale on EastEnders, appears dumbfounded in a wig and make-up for ITV’s new drag spectacular, Queens For The Night.
With the help of his mentor, Kitty Scott-Claus, Adam will become Madame MiMi D’YooYoo to compete against other celebs, including Love Island’s Chris Hughes and rugby star Joe Marler.
Adam said: “I want to try different roles, I want to try and push myself, and I think I’m going to have that challenge when I attempt to become a drag queen.
“What can possibly go wrong? Well, I can forget my lines, for one. I could trip over the dress, over my heels, and my wig could fall over my eyes.”
The show, which begins on Saturday at 8.30pm, is hosted by Lorraine Kelly, with judges Rob Beckett, Mel C, Courtney Act and Layton Williams.
A PANTO FIRST FOR GRANT
GOOD things come to those who waiter – just ask Grant Urquhart, from Channel 4’s First Dates.
The hunk who serves tables in the dating show’s Manchester restaurant has landed a job in panto.
Grant will be playing Prince Charming in Cinderella at The King’s Theatre in Portsmouth from December 2 to New Year’s Eve.
He will be starring alongside Vanessa Feltz’s fiancé, Ben Ofoedu.
The move might seem surprising, but he trained to act and sing at the renowned Italia Conti Academy, before joining the First Dates eaterie.
So he brings more to the table than the rest of the staff.
Ben has skincare strain
SUPER-fit Ben Shephard often puts us to shame with tales of his athletic exploits.
But it turns out, he’s just as decrepit as the rest of us.
The Good Morning Britain host said: “I put my neck out the other day wringing out a flannel. That’s a proper middle- aged injury. If my teenage self knew I was using a flannel because I had a skincare regime, he’d be embarrassed.
“But the fact I strained a muscle in my shoulder because I wrung this . . . I was so depressed.”
But he was soon given a lift after a day hosting his show Ninja Warrior UK.
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Ben added on The Mid.Point podcast: “Whenever I come away from filming, I’m re-inspired.”
It’s safe to say it would take more than a few ninjas to get most of us in Ben’s shape.