So how do we get out of it?
“I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” may have lost Rod Blagojevich as a contestant, but it still boasts TV lovebirds Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, and a Baldwin brother.
Ousted Illinois Gov. Blagojevich, who had hoped to compete on the NBC reality show, was barred by a judge from traveling to Costa Rica for filming while he awaits trial on racketeering and other charges.
He still showed up in Los Angeles on Friday for the cast announcement, which included Montag and Pratt of MTV’s “The Hills,” who were set to be married today.
Others who agreed to test their survival skills in the Costa Rican jungle and compete for charity money include former pro basketball player John Salley; model and TV host Janice Dickinson; actor Stephen Baldwin; and former pro wrestler and model Torrie Wilson.
Three more contestants will be announced, according to NBC. The series premieres June 1 and will air Monday through Thursday until its June 24 finale.
Asked if she would be out of her element, the glamorous Dickinson replied: “Are you insane? Life is a jungle.”
Third time’s the charm?
This isn’t the first time Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were supposed to get hitched.
The pair appeared before a deputy commissioner at a Beverly Hills courthouse in December – but didn’t say “I do” – after acknowledging their Nov. 19 marriage ceremony in Mexico was merely symbolic.
MTV cameras were set to capture whatever happens today.
Not ‘Tonight,’ dear …
Jay Leno was released Friday after an overnight hospital stay that forced him to cancel Thursday and Friday’s “Tonight” shows.
Leno, 58, was hospitalized for observation Thursday. Details weren’t released.
It was the first time Leno, “Tonight” host since 1992, missed a show because of illness.
Living longer and prospering
Leonard Nimoy, who reprises his iconic role as Mr. Spock in the new “Star Trek” prequel, says he would be onboard for more.
“If (director) J.J. Abrams calls me, I answer the phone,” said Nimoy, 78. “I don’t say ‘never’ anymore.”
Doves, and finding peace
Veteran Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman capped an emotional year in which he lost his 5-year-old daughter by winning artist of the year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards on Thursday.
Chapman won the night’s top honor for the seventh time in his career. He dedicated a touching ballad, “Cinderella,” to his daughter, who was killed last May when she was accidentally hit by a vehicle driven by her older brother in the driveway of the family’s home.
Other big winners were Brandon Heath, who won male vocalist and song of the year, and Natalie Grant, who won the female vocalist trophy for the fourth year in a row.
The birthday bunch
Actor Al Pacino is 69. Singer Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA) is 64. Actress Talia Shire is 63. Actor Hank Azaria is 45. “Early Show” host Jane Clayson is 42. Actress Renee Zellweger is 40. Actor Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”) is 39. Actor Jason Wiles (“Third Watch”) is 39.