Durden-Smith quits 'I'm A Celebrity...'

TV

16:30 21 September 2005

Mark Durden-Smith has dropped out of hosting 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here' because his wife is set to give birth to their twins around the same time.

The 36-year-old star reportedly told TV bosses he can't risk leaving heavily pregnant wife Rachel to film the show's ITV2 output with socialite Tara Palmer Tomkinson.

A programme insider is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "The start date of 'Celeb' is a closely-guarded secret and Mark was only told recently. Rachel may give birth early but Mark simply can't risk it."

Show bosses are now hunting for someone to replace Mark.

The source added: "There is a race on to find a replacement - someone who can cope with co-hosting with Tara Palmer Tomkinson!"

Patrick Kielty, Paul Danan and comedian Justin Lee Collins are among those being considered for the job.

An ITV spokesman has confirmed Mark's decision to pull out of the show, saying: "Obviously Mark's priorities are with his family and we wish him all the best for parenthood."

(c) BANG Media International