'The Circle' has not arranged any back-up stars for the upcoming celebrity series.
Emma Willis
The ITV show has lined up a number of celebrities to take part in the new season of the show but reportedly failed to secure extra stars to have on stand-by, in case any of the contestants are diagnosed with Covid-19.
A source told The Sun: "They've made a boo-boo - they're testing people for Covid on the 3rd and the 5th of September.
"They were in a mad panic in recent days that they haven't got any backups. So if anyone has got coronavirus, they're in trouble.
"It's hard to get famous people last-minute, so it's unsure what plan B will end up being."
In June, it was revealed that the Channel 4 reality series - which sees contestants communicate over a social media platform with the choice of using their real identity or fake profile - will return for a third series and a celebrity special.
Host Emma Willis is returning along with narrator Sophie Willan and fans can expect a week-long celebrity series to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer, with the normal series to air afterwards.
Emma said: "'The Circle' is just brilliant, unmissable television.
"I loved every minute of being a part of it and I'm delighted to be returning to it for another series where I'll be right at the centre of all the mischief and drama!"
On the celeb edition, she added that she "can't wait to see who'll be in the line-up and whether they'll play as themselves or as another celebrity - it's going to be incredible."
With the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the programme will be pre-recorded, without a studio audience for the live element.
Last year's series saw former 'This Morning' host Richard Madeley take part as 27-year-old Judy before being blocked by the other players.
He later revealed his true identity in a video clip shocking the contestant who had their doubts about Judy.
The show also granted fellow player Woody Cook - who is the son of BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Zoe Ball and DJ Fatboy Slim - the chance to succeed without his famous parents.
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