EXCLUSIVE: JACK THE LOVE
Ozzy's son in £250k celeb offer
JACK Osbourne has been offered a record-breaking £250,000 contract to star in Love Island, I can reveal.
Television executives have been desperate to secure the services of a huge "name" for the new series which begins in July.
And they have offered to make 20- year-old Jack - son of Sharon and Ozzy - the highest paid star of a British reality show.
So far, Jack has refused to be persuaded by ITV bosses, even turning down the record-breaking £250K offer at the end of last week. But TV bosses are determined to persuade the former drink and drug addict to sign up.
They have even suggested he can be "a latecomer", parachuted on the island in Fiji part way through the show - and still collect the astonishing six-figure salary.
Last night, a TV source revealed: "Bosses really are desperate to revamp the show and have far bigger stars on it.
"They have put a lot of faith in the production by giving it a second series - and they are determined to make it a huge success." The insider continued: "They will break the bank to get Jack. The Osbournes was one of the most popular shows of the last decade - and TV execs are convinced Jack can bring that success to Love Island."
Bosses also hope that, if they secure Jack, other major stars will be persuaded to sign-up for the new series, which has been extended by a month to eight weeks.
Last year's series was won by former Westlife bouncer Fran Cosgrave. But it was panned by critics who dismissed co-presenter Kelly Brook as well as the celebrity contestants. The TV source added: "Last year's contestants like Paul Danan and Duane Ladejo weren't famous enough - but Jack certainly is."
Jack was catapulted to fame when Ozzy and Sharon allowed MTV cameras into their house for reality series The Osbournes in 2002. The family were paid just £115,000.
But it proved so successful they were then paid more than £11.5million to reprise their roles for the next series - a 100- fold pay increase.
Jack - who has lost an incredible five stone since first hitting TV screens - is now fronting laddish series Adrenaline Junkie, which hit screens on ITV1 last Wednesday. Amazingly, he is planning to publish his autobiography in October - a month before his 21st birthday.
Jack has been linked to model Catalina Guirado, Kate Moss and Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberley - but is currently single. Two years ago, he spent time in rehab for drink and drug problems.
Other stars tipped to head to Fiji for the new series include former
Big Brother winner Kate Lawler and ballroom dancing love rat Brendan Cole.
Last night, a spokesman for Jack declined to comment.
Sundaymirror