Towie’s Michael Hassini spent night in a cell after being arrested for drink driving
TOWIE's list of suspended castmembers is growing quicker than the queue for Sugar Hut.
Following the antics of previous stars MARIO FALCONE, DAN OSBOURNE and JAMES 'ARG' ARGENT, there's now a new headache for bosses.
I can reveal that Essex newcomer MICHAEL HASSINI has been told to stay away from the show until further notice after being arrested for drink driving.
The self-confessed womaniser, who claims to have slept with more than 100 women, spent the night in a cell after he was stopped by police.
He has now been charged with driving under the influence and if guilty could face three months’ in jail, up to a £2,500 fine and a possible driving ban.
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A spokesperson for the show confirmed: "In view of the charges brought against him, Mike Hassini has been suspended from Towie until further notice."
An Essex source said: "This is a big headache for Towie bosses.
"They've had problems with cast members in the past on a variety of things - including drugs and violence.
"They'd hoped all of that was a thing of the past given there's been such a big change in cast in the last couple of years.
"They've taken the quick, but considered, decision to suspend him until further notice and when things are a bit clearer."
Michael, who ITVBe viewers have seen get into a series of rows on the show since his inclusion last year, is the latest in long line of show stars who have had a brush with the law.
The Sun revealed in 2014 ago how Arg had been suspended from the show after testing positive for cocaine.
We also revealed footage of bad boy Mario appearing to snort drugs in a pal's kitchen after a night out, which got him the temporary boot.
And The Sun on Sunday published audio footage of Dan Osbourne, who has a baby with EastEnders star JACQUELINE JOSSA, threatening to stab his ex-girlfriend.
The show's producers really can pick them...
KATIE'S A HEAVY D HITTER
HEAVY D may have been booted out of Celebrity Big Brother — but not before X Factor reject KATIE WAISSEL put him in his place.
She snapped at him in last night’s episode insisting even her 87-year-old gran, who was exposed as a £250-per-hour prostitute in 2010, is more famous than the Z-list telly star.
Asked by Heavy D why she is in the house, Katie replied: “Because I was paid to. More than you. I’m obviously still important six years on that they want me on this show! I know for me I’m better than you… you’re an embarrassment. My grandma is more famous than you.”
But after being evicted, Heavy D said both Katie and Page 3 legend SAM FOX are close to leaving because they are so sick of being cooped up inside.
He revealed: “Sam is on the brink. Katie too. I don’t know if they really mean it or if they’re just moaning.”
They’ll probably enjoy it more now he’s gone.
SHANE'S GOT A NEW CAR-EER
BOYZONE singer SHANE LYNCH is now the face of an unlikely car show.
He is hosting a new Men & Motors series which is being pitched to major broadcasters in the UK and abroad.
The show, which already has a 22-minute pilot that is being edited at the famous Pinewood Studios, is being directed by Danny Tate, who has worked on Big Brother, I’m A Celeb and Love Island.
Shooting for the episode took place over the summer at well-known locations with an “exciting climax” filmed at racing circuit Brands Hatch.
The show is hosted by Shane and presenter TORIE CAMPBELL, with the format targeted at an audience the makers have labelled “late teens to 30-cools”.
One Media, the company behind the show, reckon it will create a “new motoring entertainment genre”.
It can’t be any worse than CHRIS EVANS’ Top Gear.
SOAPBOX
THE HOLLYOAKS cast better hold on to their hats because they have a bona fide US soap legend joining their ranks.
Channel 4 have secured veteran DALLAS star Linda Gray, who played Sue Ellen in the show, for a role later this year.
She will hit screens initially for a week in the autumn as Tabby Nightingale, the mum of Marnie, played by Lysette Anthony.
The glamorous grandmother turns up in Chester following the death of her husband and it sounds like there will be no shortage of drama as she will be looking for love.
Talking about her role, Linda said: “I’m thrilled to be going from one iconic series to another and can’t wait to work with the fantastic cast. Hollyoaks viewers are going to love it when Tabby whips up a storm just like Sue Ellen did.”
I can’t wait to hear her Chester accent.
X FACTOR RETURNS
THE X Factor announced its return to telly with a video of judges SIMON COWELL, SHARON OSBOURNE, NICOLE SCHERZINGER and LOUIS WALSH belting out GIRLS ALOUD’s 2006 hit Something Kinda Ooooh.
The video is a mash-up of auditions and the panel’s banter which ex-judge CHERYL and her pals sing over.
It will return to screens on Saturday August 27 at 8pm, with a second show the following night.
SINGLE DAISY FLOWERING
THE camera just loves DAISY LOWE and if the judges like her anywhere near as much as the lens, she will breeze through Strictly Come Dancing.
The fashion model has become the eighth confirmed contestant in the latest BBC series, hot on the heels of LOUISE REDKNAPP and Hollyoaks actor DANNY MAC.
And after yesterday’s news, Daisy lived up to her name by donning a floral dress and taking a stroll with her dog through North London.
Daisy said yesterday: “My family, friends and I adore Strictly, so when the chance came up to take part I jumped at it. I am itching to get started and am so looking forward to learning a new skill.”
The model is newly single, after her split from the former Popstars singer turned actor DARIUS CAMPBELL.
If there’s one place to find love, it’s Strictly.
