IT looks like Alan Carr’s show Secret Genius is getting a second series – even though the first one is still on air.
I understand Channel 4 bosses have been pleased by the viewing figures for the game show, which reaches its climax this Sunday.
Including catch-up figures, the ratings have been higher than those for the channel’s outstanding 2025 experimental reality TV hit, Virgin Island.
A TV insider said: “The bonus is that despite being one of the busiest men in showbusiness, Alan would probably be able to do a second series.
“He has five different projects on the go for the BBC as well as three streamers, but C4 bosses are confident he can return to do a sequel. Along with co-host Susie Dent, he’s seen as a crucial part of the series’ success.”
Secret Genius sees contestants with “everyday” jobs take various tests set by Mensa, the organisation for people with a high IQ.
SUPER CARR
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The aim is to find individuals with exceptional brain power which they might not be putting to use.
It is something of a miracle that Alan is available to do the second series, as he is currently filming travelogue The F*** It List for Prime Video, and is about to start making property show Castle Man for Disney+.
Also coming up are two more series of game show Picture Slam and Interior Design Masters for BBC One — and he has a show in development with Netflix where he will be joined by Amanda Holden, his co-presenter for the Italian, Spanish and Greek Job renovation series, also on BBC One.
Presumably the winner of Secret Genius will be the only person able to co-ordinate Alan’s diary . . .
Coleen’s firm cut loose
COLEEN NOLAN’s TV production firm, Tufty Productions, is being liquidated, according to newly filed records.
The Loose Women’s business owes money due to various taxes and penalties and, overall, its debts amount to £118,464.
The company was incorporated in 2008 and lists its main business as being TV programme production activities and performing arts.
Coleen’s ex-husband, Ray Fensome, was listed as its secretary up to 2018 when they divorced.
Only Liv twice in Jungle
SHE’S Olivia Attwood, and TV bosses want her out of here – and back in the Aussie jungle for I’m A Celebrity.
The in-demand telly star says ITV is still keen for her to head Down Under to take part in the show after her 2022 stint was cut short after two days due to ill health.
She said: “Right now, it would be impossible schedule-wise, but they’ve made it clear the door’s open and it’s something at one point I will do.”
It is no surprise that Olivia’s diary is tight, with documentary series The Price Of Perfection and Getting Filthy Rich, plus new cookery contest The Heat, with top chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, which launched this week on ITVX.
Olivia has nicknamed him “JC”, which may not go down well with the fiery cook.
She said: “When I was watching the edit back, I was like, ‘Oh my God, is that rude?’ Hopefully he forgives me.”
- Read her full interview in The Sun’s TV Mag tomorrow.
‘JOEMANCE’ SO PHONEY
JOE WILKINSON and Joe Marler had us in fits when they were on The Celebrity Traitors together.
Now the comedian and rugby star would have us believe they were in love.
It’s all part of what they call their “Joemance” which they’ve embraced for an ad campaign for Sky Mobile.
The idea is that they highlight the importance of staying connected which, obviously, a phone is ideal for.
The images of the two Joes jumping for joy and seemingly trying to do the wheelbarrow also heralds some new research.
It reveals that nearly half of British adults believe their phone has actively improved their relationships.
Just one flaw: Joe and Joe forged their relationship in The Celebrity Traitors castle where they had all their mobiles confiscated.
Oh, and they were all trying to murder each other too…which isn’t the obvious starting point for forging a bond of trust.
I guess love always finds a way.