Gary Goldsmith, the uncle of the Princess of Wales, has signed up to take part in the next series of ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, according to reports.
The 58-year-old businessman, who is the brother of Kate’s mother Carole, reportedly agreed terms on Friday having previously auditioned for I’m a Celebrity.
A friend of Mr Goldsmith told the Sun: “Gary is champing at the bit to get on Celebrity Big Brother.
“He finalised the terms of his deal today and can’t wait to enter the house.
“The CBB team love him because of his link to Kate and the fact that he’s confident and loud and won’t hold back.
“He’s made it clear he will talk about everything and anything, and he’s pretty outspoken when it comes to Harry and Meghan.”
Mr Goldsmith made £30 million from his own IT recruitment business but was hit by a scandal in 2009 when he was seen measuring cocaine with a sex worker in Ibiza.
He has been married four times and in 2017 he admitted punching his fourth wife Julie-Ann in the face after a night drinking at a charity event. He avoided jail but was fined.
Mr Goldsmith has been dubbed the “black sheep” of the family but has insisted: “People like to think I’m a bad boy. I’m not really.”
Despite his controversy, he has maintained links to the Middleton family and was a guest at the wedding of Kate to Prince William in 2011 and also when her sister Pippa Middleton wed James Matthews.
It is thought Mr Goldsmith has strong opinions about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s US exodus which might make him “TV gold,” according to the unnamed Sun source.
“Gary also holds a deep affection for Kate and Wills and will be able to give a fascinating insight into what it’s really like being related to the future King and Queen,” the source said.
“He could be TV gold and ITV knows it. The deal he signed is for good money.”
Celebrity chef Levi Roots and music mogul Louis Walsh are said to be in talks to join the series which is said to be returning to ITV 2 in the spring. No start date or official list of those involved has been confirmed.
ITV has been approached for further comment.
