Gary Lineker takes sweet revenge on old football rival for horror tackle 45 years ago in new ITV celeb game show The Box

FOOTIE legend Gary Lineker is switching sides and settling old scores with his new telly project. As host of ITV’s new celebrity game show The Box, he lines up beside old rival Graeme Souness — and finally gets revenge for a horror tackle 45 years ago. The Box cast, from left: John Bercow, Jenny Ryan, Shakira Khan, Graeme Souness, Ranvir Singh, Gary Lineker, Danny Aarons, Sara Davies, Joey Essex, Ellie Taylor and JB Gill Credit: PA The former striker wants revenge for a horror tackle 45 years ago Credit: Getty The former presenter of BBC’s Match Of The Day said he took great glee in putting Graeme, one of the contestants, through the wringer with some tough challenges. “It was revenge for that tackle at Anfield in 1981,” said Gary, about a time he faced the Liverpool hardman while playing for Leicester City. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Graeme said: “He did ask me ‘Do you remember such and such game?’ “I said, ‘I’m sorry, no’, — and he rolled his trousers up and said, ‘Do you remember that?’” Gary showed him a nasty scar. Graeme added: “I said, ‘Is it a bit too late to apologise?’ ” But Gary has the last laugh in The Box, as he gleefully sets tasks to push the celebs to their limits. He plunges famous names including The Chase’s Jenny Ryan, JLS singer JB Gill and GMB host Ranvir Singh into the unknown as they visit mystery locations while in a box. They only discover what awaits them — whether that is testing their fear of heights at Brighton’s i360 tower or running in an egg and spoon race — when the box opens. Most read in TV Lineker said he took great glee in putting Graeme Souness, one of the contestants, through the wringer Credit: Getty Lineker on the pitch in 1986 Credit: Getty Love Island’s Shakira Khan said she struck up an unlikely friendship with fellow competitor, former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, despite their very different backgrounds. “Me and John are best friends,” said Shakira, smiling. “Some of the words he comes out with, I don’t even know what they mean! “I had him on FaceTime with my mum and dad and it was like completely different worlds. They’re so northern, so common. And he’s posh. “But he’s just the best. He’s such a cutie pie. We’re total opposites but we really got on.” The pair are even talking about teaming up for a new podcast. “It’d be hilarious,” said Shakira. “Watch this space.” Also taking part are Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies, Towie’s Joey Essex, new Strictly It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor, and YouTuber Danny Aarons. The Box starts on Saturday at 8.15pm. CORRIE’S FARREL IN PARADISE Coronation Street star Farrel Hegarty has landed a huge new role Credit: Shutterstock FORMER Coronation Street star Farrel Hegarty has landed a huge new role. The actress, who played jailbird Lou Michaelis in the ITV soap, has joined the cast of Death In Paradise. She has just flown out to the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, and will spend the next two weeks filming her scenes for the long-running crime drama. A source said: “It’s a dream come true to join the show for a guest stint. “A fortnight filming in paradise is worlds away from the grey skies of Weatherfield.” In April, it was announced the BBC hit would return for another two series and two Christmas specials. Fans can look forward to more sun-drenched drama on the shores of Saint Marie with show favourites Don Gilet, Don Warrington and Shantol Jackson all back in action as cops. BRITAIN’S Got Talent has introduced Instagram applications for its milestone 20th series. For the first time, performers can apply directly via the platform. If selected, they will audition for judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI on the ITV show. GRECO’S BACK ON THE BEAT Michael Greco is back on the small screen and winning rave reviews for his part in Sky’s Fightland eight-parter Credit: Supplied SOAP heartthrob Michael Greco is enjoying a career renaissance. When he arrived on EastEnders nearly three decades ago as hunky Italian Beppe di Marco, he had the nation swooning. After years out of the limelight, he’s back on the small screen and winning rave reviews for his part in Sky’s Fightland eight-parter. He plays corrupt copper DS Gower in the show, which has rapper 50 Cent as an executive producer. And I can reveal he’s also just landed a major role in new gangster film, Killing Time. It will be directed by Michael Head. Bookish actor Simon Callow and Towie’s James Locke also star. Welcome back, Michael. CASUALTY’S AMBO HELL Olly Rix stars as Dr Flynn Byron in Casualty, which marks its 40th anniversary this week Credit: PA THE world’s longest-running medical drama, Casualty, marks its 40th anniversary this week with a disaster that leaves lives hanging in the balance. Dr Flynn Byron (Olly Rix) and his team are pushed to their limits when an ambulance falls off a cliff. The BBC One show’s huge milestone is extra-special for Olly. He said: “I turned 40 last year and could relate to some aspects of what Flynn is wrestling with. It’s a time when people start to worry about slowing down but also gain perspective. “It’s also a time you’re at your absolute best, despite the dread of a number, and Flynn’s narrative here is a nod to that.” Former Call The Midwife star Olly says he owes a lot to Casualty, as it brought him and fiancée co-star Anna Chell together. The two-parter airs on Saturday from 8pm. HORNE IN THE HOUSE ALEX HORNE has bagged a new Taskmaster-style show which will see families play madcap games in their own homes. Following a successful pilot, Channel 4 has commissioned Your Time Starts Now – a working title – which will see households compete against one another while tackling devious tasks. Host Alex joked: “I often hear about friends, families, colleagues and teammates doing our tasks on holidays or at weddings, Scout camps and Christmas dinners, but I seldom hear that these people have sought permission to do so. “Now, finally, we will harness the country and be able to set challenges within a rigorous framework so that the rules are properly adhered to, everyone is judged appropriately and the best are rightfully rewarded.” Alex’s comedy, The Horne Section, was axed in June after two series, so this is great news. Comment now