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Holly Willoughby, Freddie Flintoff's new ITV series cancelled?

ITV reportedly decides to "pause" production on its new celebrity sporting competition series The Real Games due to coronavirus.

ITV has reportedly decided to "pause" its new celebrity competition show The Real Games due to the ongoing issues caused by coronavirus.

The show - hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff - is essentially a mini version of the Olympics, with celebrities competing in events such as sprint races, high jump and javelin.

ITV originally planned to air the series last summer ahead of the real Tokyo Olympics but COVID-19 led to both the Olympics and The Real Games being delayed to this summer.

As it stands, Olympics organisers remain adamant that the event will proceed in July, but according to The Sun, ITV has taken the decision to stop working on its show for the time being amid the ongoing uncertainty.

"The Real Games is on pause because it's not possible to film it under the current circumstances," a source told the newspaper.

"They were planning on having group events, then changed it to single events and despite all the measures in place it's just become a health and safety nightmare.

"It's taken a lot of agonising but the bosses have decided to press pause and put the show on hold.

"Filming was supposed to begin in March but everyone booked to take part has been asked to stand down.

"They're now putting in new dates and seeing if they can make the show happen this year.

"It's a nightmare for everyone who has worked so hard to get this off the ground but ultimately, the safety of the crew and the celebs has to take priority."

Rumoured contestants include Love Island's Tommy Fury and former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas.

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