'The TV, the music, the fashion - it all goes to make up Rio Ferdinand." Thus spake Rio Ferdinand not so long ago, and his efforts to cast himself as some kind of Renaissance man creative continue apace.
According to reports, the Manchester United defender has been brainstorming with his TV production company, and has come up with a show that will be broadcast as a fundraiser for anti-gun crime charities. The format? Rap Idol, basically, in which a slew of celebrities cover hip-hop classics before a panel of judges. Think of it as a hell simulator.
Given that their schedules resemble a grotesque Hieronymus Bosch painting, it's got ITV1 written all over it, and the winner's cover will be released as a charity single. Judges-wise, apparently, "they've set their sights on Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse".
And they'll get Mark Goodier and Amy Lamé.
As far as celebrity competitors go, those already signed up to appear are reported to include Jimmy Carr, Naomi Campbell, Chris Moyles, Jordan, Shane Richie and Coleen McLoughlin. Looking at that line-up, it's hard to think of a more persuasive argument against gun crime.
All in all, though, it is nice to see Coleen getting asked to do the odd thing - one always fears she might be spread too thickly with just the ITV multi-programme presenting deal, the exercise DVD, the magazine column, the autobiography deal, the children's book series, the fashion spokesmodel work and the advertising contracts. Only a few months ago Coleen was asked whether she would consider a move to Hollywood, and seemed rather resigned when she replied: "We have to think about Wayne's career at Manchester United." Don't you loathe how he holds her back?
