Reality TV, Blago Style

NBC confirms interest, all they need is court's approval

In a move that could make VH1's "Surreal Life" look like a Quaker meeting, the ousted Illinois governor is trying to become part of a reality TV show.

The NBC show, called I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!, will take place in Costa Rica and premier June 1.   It would basically dump a group of D-list celebrities in the middle of the jungle and let the hijinks ensue, live on primetime.  The show could pay Blago as much as $80,000 an episode, and may feature Nancy Kerrigan as one of Blago's opponents, according to WGN.

NBC confirmed it wants Blagojevich on the show, issuing this statement:

"Based on the hit U.K. reality show, "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" is a groundbreaking live series event premiering June 1 and stripped over four weeks in June. Ten celebrities of various backgrounds will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness and to raise money for their favorite charities. Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court's approval.

Blagojevich asked a federal judge today to allow him to travel if his bond was increased, and a source told CBS2 that the reality show was why.  The impeached governor is broke, and plans to argue that this show would be his only way to pay for his legal defense.

While Judge James Zagel is known as something of a tough nut, it's possible he just might entertain Blago's request.  While still on the bench, Zagel took time to appear in a Jessica Lange film called Music Box, where he played, of course, a judge.  Zagel was listed as J.S. Block in the credits.  If you're interested, you can watch a clip with Zagel in it here.

If the Letterman episode Blago appeared on was any indication, I'm a Celebrity is sure to be a guilty pleasure we won't be able to turn off.

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