The reigning Miss Great Britain Jen Atkin has reportedly been dropped from the new series of The Circle after details of her participation were leaked in the press.
The third series of the innovative reality show is being pre-recorded over the next month under a slightly-adapted format due to the coronavirus crisis.
Over the weekend it was reported that Atkin, 26, had signed up for the new series but would be taking part as a catfish, using old pictures when she was significantly heavier, to challenge stereotypes on appearance.
However according to the Daily Star - the newspaper that first reported on her participation - she has now been ruled out of the show due to that very story.
"The Circle is one of Channel 4's biggest shows so a leak is a disaster for them," a source told the newspaper.
"The contestants have already been picked but unlike shows such as Love Island they were not in hiding.
"Filming is due to start this week but right now plans are in tatters.
"They had to act quickly and axe Jen from the show as soon as she was linked to the series as other contestants would know she was acting which would make the whole thing pointless. It could have been TV gold – naturally Jen is gutted."
The new series has been slated to air early in 2021.
Neil Wilkes
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