Discovery orders Celebrity Fat Fighters

TLC has greenlit a new reality series in following celebrities in an extreme weight-loss boot camp.

Celebrity Fat Fighters will run to three parts on the Discovery net, with UK indie Chalkboard TV making the show.

The format sees a roster of celebs enter the boot camp and then undergo a strict training regime while surviving on 400 calories a day.

The camp is run by Russian Galia Granger who has the motto “what doesn’t kill you makes you thinner”. Renowned for her unusual methods, she has also been dubbed the ‘diet dominatrix’.

“Our seven brave celebrities are in for a very unique brand of shock therapy as they bid to take back control of their body and mind,” said TLC UK boss Clare Laycock.

“Each one has a personal or professional goal that they are hoping to achieve with the help of Galia’s always punishing, sometimes unorthodox and ultimately rewarding regime. Expect sweat, tears, hunger pangs and unlikely friendships but no treats at this retreat for the rich and famous.”

Sarah Thornton, Discovery Networks International VP of factual entertainment commissioned the series.

The celebrities in the show are: Gogglebox’s Sandi Bogle, actress Jennifer Ellison, The Only Way Is Essex star James ‘Diags’ Bennewith, X Factor’s Stevi Ritchie, Big Brother’s Lateysha Grace, EastEnders’ Riley Carter-Millington and comedian Danny Miles.

Chalkboard, is the indie set up by former Shine Network managing director Ben Hall and Mike Benson and Warwick Banks, is best known for primetime gameshow Don’t Ask Me.

Warwick Banks said: “Galia is a Russian tank ready to steamroll celebrity flab – she’s on a no-holds barred crusade against sugar, processed food and unhealthy habits! It’s going to be an interesting week for our cast members.”