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ITV plans new homeless reality TV show

September 30 2010
Celebs to be paid 20 grand to welcome a homeless person into their home for three weeks

Homeless people will move into celebrities' homes for three weeks as part of a new reality TV show.

The ITV show, called Home is where the heart is, will begin filming later this year, with stars such as GMTV host Kate Garraway, Anthea Turner, Liza Tarbuck, Danielle Lloyd and Fiona Phillips all rumoured to be taking part. Although ITV couldn't confirm which celebrities had signed up, it stressed that it was looking for celebs with a "genuine interest" in the issue of homelessness.

While the broadcaster could not confirm how much they would receive, a source told the Daily Star that the celebrities would be paid £20,000, but would be "encouraged" to donate £5,000 to the homeless person they had invited into their home. ITV did confirm that the homeless participants would not be paid.

"This is something brand new," our source said. "It really shines a spotlight on the problems we have in our society.

"All these celebrities live a good life packed full of fine food, comfy homes and top gadgets. Being so up close and personal with someone who has nothing to their name may also be a huge learning curve for our pampered personalities."

The Daily Star also reported that all homeless participants would undergo a psychological assessment before moving into the celebrities' homes, though ITV declined to comment on this.

It is understood, though, that ITV has been in talks with homeless charities in a bid to ensure that all those taking part in the show have a positive experience.

However, Crisis - which was approached by the broadcaster but did not want to be involved - warned that extra care needed to be taken when addressing such a sensitive subject. Duncan Shrubsole, its director of policy & external affairs, said: "At Crisis, we believe the media - and television in particular - can be very effective at informing the general public about homelessness, its causes and consequences and the issues homeless people face.

"It is vital, however, that television, whether in media reports or in longer programmes, approaches the subject - and particularly homeless people themselves - with sensitivity."

"Homeless people need an understanding and commitment to telling their stories with honesty, empathy and integrity, moving beyond the stereotypes to reveal some of the underlying causes of their situation but also the real strengths and potential that they have but which their homelessness has cruelly denied them the opportunity to fulfil," he concluded.

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