Celebrity Big Brother viewers were ‘startled’ after a housemate revealed he nearly beat Daniel Radcliffe to play Harry Potter.
The eye-popping disclosure was made during a game of two truths and a lie during tonight’s ITV show, played by housemates including JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes, Chesney Hawkes and Jack P Shepherd.
During his round, Jack, 37, told his fellow game players that he reached the final auditions for Harry Potter, Billy Elliot and Gladiator, and they had to guess which of the three statements was a lie.
After the housemates’ guesses, Jack, who is best known for playing David Platt on Coronation Street, revealed Gladiator was the fib.
The British actor was, though, almost cast as Harry Potter but narrowly missed out to Daniel. He was also in the running to play Billy Elliot, before the role went to Jamie Bell.
The revelation made Celebrity Big Brother viewers picture a mind-boggling alternative universe in which ‘David Platt played Harry Potter and Daniel Radcliffe played David Platt.’
Among them was @bosdovja92, who asked: ‘What sort of terrifying parallel universe would’ve seen Harry Potter played by Jack P Shepherd may I ask?’
@rafastefbaes commented: ‘The fact that David Platt could’ve been Harry Potter is ICONIC #CBBUK.’
@AndyGibson pondered: ‘Jack P Shepherd as Harry Potter would have made the film series look so much different. Imagine Daniel Radcliffe as David Platt in Coronation Street. #CBB #CBBUK #CelebrityBigBrother.’
Echoing their sentiment, @hollycarruthers said: ‘David Platt was nearly Harry Potter wow #cbbuk.’
@ineedamelody added: ‘David Platt was almost Harry Potter. Insane. #CBBUK.’
Jack’s near-enrolment at Hogwarts isn’t the only fun conversation that has been bouncing off the Celebrity Big Brother house’s walls.
Yesterday, Donna Preston was forced to deny that she pegged fellow housemate Chensey in a sex club.
‘I’ve seen Chesney in the clubs,’ Donna admitted to Danny Beard, clarifying she meant sex clubs.
‘You’re lying,’ a shocked Danny replied.
‘He’s crazy,’ Donna said as Danny added: ‘You’re having me on.’
‘That’s when you been pegging?’ Danny then asked.
The appalled actor replied: ‘I haven’t bloody pegged Chesney. Of course I haven’t pegged Chesney Hawkes.’
One and Only singer Chesney – who already shocked everyone by stripping naked on launch night – had previously spoken about his sex club experience.
During one activity where housemates had to share headline-grabbing information, the 53-year-old singer declared: ‘I was once in a sex club and I was whipped in front of the whole club and there are photos to prove it.’
Last night, Trisha Goddard became the second housemate to be eliminated after former Tory MP Michael Fabricant.
Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke was also removed by Big Brother over the weekend after repeated warnings about his behaviour.
Celebrity Big Brother continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
