McLaren pulled out of the show before it even began, claiming that the trials were not dangerous. He told the Daily Mirror: "It's not a reality show. I met medic Bob and producers and was shocked to hear I was never going to be near danger."
McLaren claimed that all he knew about the reality series was that former Sex Pistol Johnny Lydon had appeared on the show. Lydon walked off the show after a disagreement with producers.
The show, which begins tonight on ITV1, is expected to go ahead with nine contestants rather than the usual 10.
Former 'Hollyoaks' actress Gemma Atkinson is the bookmakers' favourite to win the series at 9/2 with former 'EastEnders' star Marc Bannerman and former 5ive singer Jason Brown neck and neck on 11/2.
PR legend Lynne Franks, who allegedly inspired the Edina Monsoon character in 'Absolutely Fabulous', is the rank outsider on 25/1.
Former QPR and Manchester City star Rodney Marsh was 12/1 when Ladbrokes drew up their first book on the show, but he has been pushed up to 8/1 following a flood of bets, including one for £1,000 from an internet customer in London.
McLaren and former supermodel Janice Dickinson had been the least popular contestants, having attracted just one bet each.
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