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Tarbuck quits 'Love Island'
TV
13:30 04 May 2006
Liza Tarbuck has quit 'Celebrity Love Island' before shooting on the new series has even started.
The star, daughter of TV comic Jimmy Tarbuck, had signed up to present the tropical dating show alongside Irish funnyman Patrick Kielty but she has pulled out at the last minute after receiving a better job offer.
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Liza was up for it and was very much looking forward to working with Patrick on such a high-profile show. But something else came up a few days ago that she just could not turn down.
"Unfortunately, it clashed with Love Island - so she had to pull out."
The show has had trouble securing a female co-host to replace Kelly Brook, who was sent packing last year following a panning by TV critics who labelled her style "wooden".
Prior to giving the job to Tarbuck, ITV had approached Denise Van Outen but failed to get her to sign on the dotted line.
Now the future of the programme is in jeopardy and producers have been forced to go back to the drawing board to think of possible replacements. One contender is comedian Daisy Donovan.
The source revealed: "It has left ITV in a bit of a pickle because they thought it was a done deal. They are praying Daisy says 'Yes'."
Speculation surrounding who this year's contestants are is rife. Among the stars being tipped to be jetting out to the Fijian island to look for love include model Emma Nobel, former Fixx singer Mikey Green, 'Pop Idol' star Chico Silmani and 'Big Brother' winner Anthony Hutton.
(C) BANG Media International
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