Boy george begs judge for reality tv show role

Boy George is so desperate to appear on a reality TV show, he's begged a judge to amend his probation guidelines to allow him to join the programme (10).

The former Culture Club star has reportedly agreed a £200,000 fee to appear on Celebrity Big Brother, but he may not be allowed to participate as a result of his recent stint in prison.

The singer, real name George O'Dowd, was jailed in January (09) for the false imprisonment and assault of a male escort in 2007.

He was released early in May (09) on license, and under the conditions he must only agree to "approved" work whereby a probation officer can come and visit him.

But O'Dowd may be left disappointed as the London Probation department looks set to rule that his inclusion on the show would breach the license terms - and the decision could cost the star thousands, according to The Sun newspaper.

The Commons Home Affairs committee chairman Keith Vaz says, "I'd be horrified if public money was wasted on this case. Channel 4 could stop this by making clear they will not allow Boy George to appear while he is under licence."

But a spokesperson for TV network Channel 4 admits programme bosses still want O'Dowd to join the show: "We respect what the Probation Service has said but if George is free, we'd love to have him."

A judicial review of O'Dowd's case will be heard on Monday (21Dec09).

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson and rapper MC Hammer have also been linked to the series, which starts in January (10).

Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jackie Stallone, Coolio and Verne Troyer have all appeared in previous years.