‘I recognise three of them’ James Martin makes dig at Celebrity Big Brother line-up
STANDING in for vacationing Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield, Anita Rani and James Martin gave viewers the rundown on last night’s Celebrity Big Brother launch on This Morning today.
CBB
Awkward moment James Martin can't name this year's CBB housemates
However, it seems that 44-year-old James may not be impressed with this year's choice of celebs, and was left a little confused.
Joining Anita and James on the sofa were ex-CBB housemates Calum Best, Claire Sweeney and Lionel Blair, giving their take on last night’s live launch.
Anita, 38, kicked off the interview by asking the three celebrities why anyone would want to go into the house, with Lionel frankly saying “for the money” adding that “they should be in there for six months”.
But James was struggling more with who “they” were.
CBB chat on This Morning today with three ex-housemates
Is that really a woman?
“I watched it last night, even though I was supposed to go to bed early because I was doing this show today,” the former Saturday Kitchen host admitted. “But I had to stay up to see who was going in. And I only recognised three of them!”
As the conversation turned to the famous housemates inside the Elstree compound, James chatted enthusiastically about Sam Fox and Christopher Biggins (who he thinks will win), meaning there’s only one more person inside that he’s heard of.
Veteran performer Lionel Blair - who appeared in the 2014 series with the likes of Lee Ryan and Luisa Zissman - had his own thoughts on the line-up.
Claire, Lionel and Calum have all appeared on Celeb Big Brother
The 84-year-old turned to a photo on the screen behind him of Mob Wives star Renee Graziano, and said: “Is that really a woman?”
Lionel was quickly shushed by Anita and James who asked Calum and Claire what they thought.
Callum talked tactics, explaining that it’s a great chance for certain celebrities to redeem themselves in the public eye.
James and Anita were standing in for Holly and Phil
Lionel Blair - who appeared in the 2014 series with the likes of Lee Ryan and Luisa Zissman
Meanwhile, Claire addressed the rumours that Christopher Biggins has been paid £150,000 to take part in the show when she did the first ever series for free (for Comic Relief).
“Good on him!” Claire said, who said she was also keen to see him win.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10:30am on ITV and Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 10pm on Channel 5.