Holly Willoughby's Netflix show 'rocked by major rows' as bosses step in

Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls's latest Netflix series has sparked off-screen drama, with reports of such intense disputes among the celebrity participants that production chiefs reportedly had to conduct crisis talks. The former This Morning presenter Holly, aged 43, has joined forces with the often-debated survival expert Bear, who is 50, for a new reality programme which sees celebrities left in a jungle setting, trying to evade capture by the host of Running Wild.

The line-up includes names like Strictly's Shirley Ballas, Celebs Go Dating's Lottie Moss, and rugby ace Danny Cipriani. However, according to a report, not everything was harmonious behind the scenes of the show, dubbed Celebrity Bear Hunt, as personality clashes escalated to such an extent that intervention was necessary.

It's been suggested that the celebs were anticipating adventure and teamwork but were taken aback when disagreements broke out. Concerned about potential comparisons to shows like Big Brother, where conflict is expected, the producers are said to have stepped in to defuse the situation.

Read more First look at Holly Willoughby's new Netflix show with Bear Grylls as fans say 'can't wait'

An insider disclosed to The Sun: "There were some big personalities there and naturally, tensions started to brew. Tempers started to fray and people didn't hold back.

"Things got so bad one night that the big bosses called an emergency meeting to remind the celebs that this was supposed to be a family friendly show. This really didn't go down well with the stars, including Danny Cipriani – the last thing he wanted was to be on a show like Big Brother, which is full of rows and drama.", reports the Mirror.

The Mirror has contacted Netflix for comment. Celebrity Bear Hunt is set to hit the screens on Netflix next month, marking a fresh chapter for Holly Willoughby following her departure from This Morning under turbulent circumstances. Her image was marred by her connection with Phillip Schofield, who left the daytime programme in May 2023 after confessing to an affair with a younger crew member.

Before Phil's departure, he and Holly were embroiled in months of negative press, involving not just rumours of off-air disputes but also an uproar over them allegedly bypassing a queue to see the late Queen Elizabeth II's body lying in state. Holly eventually stepped away from the show when a terrifying plot to kidnap her was revealed.

In recent times, though, Bear has come under fire for maintaining his unwavering support for Russell Brand. The comedian has found himself amidst accusations of serious offences, including rape — claims which Brand has vehemently denied.

Bear attracted scrutiny after he 'liked' Brand’s content on social media amidst the surfacing allegations.

The Island's host also presided over Brand's Christian baptism, leading many to view his conversion as a cynical rebranding attempt in the wake of scandalous allegations. Celebrity Bear Hunt will be ready for streaming on Netflix from Wednesday 5 January 2025.