Source: Ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich To Appear On Trump’s ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Reality Show

 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: October 9, 2009 4:40 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: October 9, 2009 4:48 PM EDT

CHICAGO, Ill. --

Out of work since he was impeached by Illinois lawmakers, Rod Blagojevich is taking his job search to TV’s toughest boss — Donald Trump.

The ousted Illinois governor will make an appearance on Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” reality television show on NBC, said a person close to Blagojevich’s team who was briefed on the plan. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because it hadn’t been officially announced, said Blagojevich would be paid for his appearance but the amount was undisclosed.

It was unclear if Blagojevich would compete or just make an appearance on the show.

“NBC doesn’t comment on casting until there’s an official announcement to be made,” NBC spokeswoman Amanda Ruisi said Friday.

Blagojevich spokesman Glenn Selig could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday. Messages were left on his answering machine and e-mail.

Blagojevich currently faces federal corruption charges for allegedly scheming to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat for campaign money or a high-paying job for his wife or himself. He has pleaded not guilty and says he has done nothing wrong. His trial is due to get under way in Chicago on June 3.

Earlier this year, Blagojevich’s wife, Patti, went into the Costa Rican jungle as a contestant on NBC’s “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!”

She lost her chance to win the title “queen of the jungle” when she was tossed after 23 days. She later said she lost 12 pounds.

The ninth season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” is scheduled to air in spring 2010. The network has said production was expected to begin in the fall, when 16 celebrities meet and compete in business-oriented challenges. All but one will eventually hear Trump tell them, “You’re fired!”

Copyright 2009 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on and now!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What Do You Think?

How many times will you see ‘New Moon?’

  • Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in ‘New Moon’
     
  • Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart chat during the presentation of their new film ‘The Twighlight Saga: New Moon’ during the HVB youth event at the Olympic Hall on November 14, 2009 in Munich, Germany
     
  • Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson arrive at the afterparty for the premiere ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ at the Hammer Museum on November 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
     
  • Robert Pattinson runs his fingers through his hair as he hits ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ premiere red carpet, LA, Nov. 16, 2009
     
  • Michael Sheen in Summit’s ‘New Moon’
     
  • Alex Meraz, Kiowa Gordon, and Chaske Spence as werewolves in ‘New Moon’