Tuesday 18 November 2008

I'm a tennis legend, what am I doing in here?



I'm a celebrity, get me out of here, is car crash TV. But there's no denying the strength of the format. It may be trash but it can be compelling and at times hilarious viewing.

The show sees D list celebrities (ie former soap actor, fading sportsmen, and glamour models) competing to be King or Queen of the Jungle. With the public voting to decide which celebrities compete in Bushtucker trials (which tend to involve some form of ritual humiliation with insects, rats or worse) and who should be evicted.

The line up for this year includes Dani Behr, Brian Paddick, Joe Swash, Carly Zucker and Martina Navratilova. Yes, that's right. A bunch of nobodies and Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest tennis players and athletes of all time (the winner of 59 singles and doubles Grand Slam titles !!!!!).

I can't for the life of me work out why she opted to do it. She doesn't need the money and she already has a TV career and fairly high public profile. Why would she cheapen her personal brand in this way??

Still from what I can gather she seems to be making the most of it. After all Martina made a career out of beating younger, less talented, (more attractive?) competitors. And old habits die hard.

I've successfully resisted the pull of the show so far but according to one of the tabloids, yesterday she defeated one of the glamour models / footballer's girlfriend in a swimming contest. Like there was ever any doubt who would win. Go Martina!!

1 comment:

Pamala Knight said...

Great post Steve. I'm not sure what hair's got hold of Martina, but it's very odd to think of her participating in this show. Maybe she's just doing it for fun. Who knows?