Apr 15, 2009 9:15 am US/Central
Reality Rod? Blago To Star On NBC 'Celebrity' Show
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich had the airwaves to himself for two hours on March 25, 2009 at WLS-AM radio.
When he was indicted, former Gov.
Rod Blagojevich went to Disney World. Now that he's been arraigned on federal corruption charges, Blagojevich wants to head off to the jungles of Costa Rica.
Blagojevich has signed on to do the "Survivor"-style reality show "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here" that's to be filmed in June in Costa Rica.
The prime-time NBC program will pay contestants more than $60,000 an episode. Until they're voted off, anyway.
"Ten celebrities of various backgrounds will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness and to raise money for their favorite charities," an NBC spokesperson told CBS 2. "Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court's approval."
Among the others on the show: Nancy Kerrigan, of ice-skating / knee-thrashing fame.
Blagojevich was arraigned Tuesday on an array of
federal corruption charges, including a scheme to sell President Obama's old Senate seat. The
former governor pleaded not guilty during a brief hearing at the Dirksen Federal Building.
The former governor needs permission from U.S. District Judge James Zagel to travel outside the country. He's expected to ask for that next week.
Blagojevich, who went on a national TV and radio blitz earlier this year, is doing the NBC show to bring in some money, sources close to the ex-governor say. He's been unemployed since the Illinois Legislature booted him from office in January.
His wife,
Patti Blagojevich, is also unemployed after she was let go from her fundraising job with the Chicago Christian Industrial League.
A source says Blagojevich will travel to Los Angeles at the end of April to finalize his participation deal in the reality show.
Blagojevich is also trying to finish writing his book, which is due in May. He signed for a six-figure advance for the book earlier this year. It's expected out in the fall.
The STNG Wire contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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