'Celeb' chiefs approach 'Emmerdale' stars

I'm A Celebrity chiefs are keen to recruit at least one Emmerdale actress for the new series.

Deena Payne, who plays Viv Hope, and former stars Lorraine Chase (Steph Forsythe) and Linda Thorson (Rosemary King) have all been in talks with producers in recent weeks, according to a report.

"Jungle chiefs know that having a soap star on the show really pulls in the ratings," an insider told the Daily Star. "In recent years we've had Emmerdale faves like Sheree Murphy and Malandra Burrows in the Aussie bush. So to get another star from the soap would be great."

The show returns for its eighth series in November. Jockey Frankie Dettori, American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth, opera singer Katherine Jenkins and EastEnders actor Bobby Davro have also been tipped to star on the show in recent weeks.