• CBS reveals 'Big Brother 4's "X Factor" twist -- the surprise inclusion of four ex-couples as housemates

  June 30, 2003
  CBS today revealed the details of its much promoted mysterious Big Brother 4 "twist". The "twist" (some others might call it "jumping the shark") is that soon after entering the "Big Brother" house, four unsuspecting housemates will be stunned when it is revealed that their ex-boyfriend or girlfriend (thus the "X") will also be joining the house as participating and competing houseguests. The twist means that eight of the 13 houseguests (four couples) will be living with someone they thought was out of their lives. Will alliances form between the former couples or will old wounds be opened? Will romances be rekindled or will new ones arise?

• Middletown, RI tables 'Real World/Road Roads Challenge' filming decision until Monday

  June 25, 2003
  According to the Providence Journal, potential neighbors of Bunim/Murray's new proposed Middletown, Rhode Island "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" mansion location came out in force at yesterday's special Middletown town council meeting, voicing their (in some cases ridiculous) concerns for almost three hours. As a result, the council delayed their decision on giving MTV final approval to film in the ritzy neighborhood until Monday's normally scheduled council session.

• MTV still looking to film 'Real World/Road Rules Challenge' in Rhode Island -- now targeting Middletown

  June 24, 2003
  Wow, if nothing else, those Bunim/Murray folks sure are persistent... if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again apparently. The Providence Journal is reporting today that after having been rebuffed by the ritzy neighbors of their proposed Newport, Rhode Island mansion, the Bunim/Murray producers now trying to get the necessary approvals to house and film the contestants on the same island as Newport, but in the neighboring town of Middletown (for non-locals, Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island is comprised of three towns, the more famous Newport as well as Middletown and Portsmouth).

• Producers pull the plug on filming 'Real World/Road Rules Challenge' in Newport, RI

  June 12, 2003
  The Newport Daily News is reporting that "unresolved zoning issues" (and apparently not neighborhood protests) have forced MTV to pull the plug on their previously announced plans to film the upcoming edition of "The Real World/Road Rules Challenge" in Newport. Newport mayor Richard C. Sardella announced that MTV was pulling out of Newport after Wednesday night's Newport City Council meeting. "Newport is out of the question for this year," Sardella said. "I'm disappointed. I think it's something the city will miss." "We were looking at (Newport) locations probably up to an hour ago," Julie Pizzi, co-executive producer for Bunim-Murray Productions, said about 9PM Wednesday. The show is scheduled to begin shooting its seventh season June 27.

• FOX announces names of the 20 'American Juniors' finalists and the 10 June 17th competitors

  June 12, 2003
  Thousands of energetic and talented kids auditioned for a chance at fame and fortune; 60 were brought to Los Angeles for a closer look; only 20 semi-finalists made the cut on "American Juniors."

• 'Real World/Road Rules Challenge' looking to film in Newport, RI starting June 27th

  June 7, 2003
  The Providence Journal is reporting that MTV and Bunim/Murray Productions are hoping to film the latest edition of their "The Real World/Road Rules Challenge" series in Newport, Rhode Island starting on June 27th. Filming would last about a month with the series tentatively set to premiere on MTV on September 22nd. As in previous editions, the program would feature 28 former cast members from two MTV programs, "The Real World" and "Road Rules," competing in a series of sports and endurance events. MTV staffers, who are already in Newport, have been scouting out spots for the show's competitions, including Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, and Navy facilities. The winner will take home $300,000.

• ABC announces 'I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!' program details

  February 14, 2003
  Ten celebrities will leave behind their pampered lives for weeks of roughing it in a remote camp in the Australian rain forest, on the premiere of "I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!," the fresh, interactive series to be broadcast live, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. The series will continue to air live for 15 consecutive nights on the Network.

• Former playmate Nikki Schieler Ziering added to ABC's 'I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!' cast

  February 14, 2003
  ABC has announced that actress/model and former Playboy Playmate Nikki Schieler Ziering has been named as the 10th cast member of ABC's new reality series, "I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!"

• Cast of ABC's 'I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!' expended to ten, JLo ex Cris Judd and Maria Conchita Alonso join up

  February 7, 2003
  ABC has announced that dancer/choreographer Cris Judd will join the cast of ABC's highly-anticipated new reality series, "I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!." The producers of the new series also announced that the show is expanding the cast to ten celebrity participants. The 9th cast member will be actress/singer Maria Conchita Alonso ("Kingpin"). The 10th cast member will be announced shortly.

• ABC announces 'I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!' cast and host

  January 14, 2003
  The ABC Television Network today announced seven members of the so-called celebrity cast for "I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!"

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