Taking to the skies with the stars

By Sinead Garvan
Newsbeat entertainment reporter

It's the latest in a long line of reality TV shows and this time the contestants are taking to the skies as budding airhosts and hostesses on CelebAir. Donned in regulation uniform and neck ties the celebrities will serve real passengers, with the worst performers being voted off each week. Newsbeat took a ride on one of the first flights to experience it first hand.

Would you fancy getting on a flight with this lot at the helm?

So what is CelebAir?

There are 11 'celebrities' including X Factor loser Chico and Steps singer Lisa Scott Lee, who have been trained as cabin crew to work aboard a plane with other professional air stewards and hostesses.

The aircraft has been rebranded both outside and in - you won't forget where you are.

Lisa says she doesn't care what critics think of the show

The likes of ex-Blazing Squad member Kenzie and Page Three model Michelle Marsh do everything from checking you in to serving your meal whilst, of course, being filmed.

All passengers have to fill in a feedback form saying who did the best job. Each week one of the 'celebs' gets fired.

There is a special CelebAir lounge at Gatwick, where Newsbeat was greeted by Lisa Scott Lee and husband Jonny Shentall.

They both looked like they just walked out of a Steps video. She was very sweet and he took charge when we all needed to head to the gate.

Essentially it is a bunch of the 'not so famous' wanting to get their faces on the telly.

But Lisa told us they know there will be critics. She said: "The reason we wanted to do it is because it's fun. We don't care what people say or what they think, we're just doing it for a laugh."

Sounds like a bit of a nightmare. Maybe one of the worst reality TV shows ever? Perhaps not. Reality TV shows filmed at airports are really popular - ITV's Airline pulled in over four million viewers for its last series - so the makers could be on to a winner.

On board CelebAir

On board, Lisa Mafia of So Solid Crew fame and Michelle Marsh served breakfast.

They both looked nervous and were concentrating very hard. Lisa said: "It's really hectic but I'm enjoying it, it's a laugh."

Page three model Michelle Marsh served drinks and cleared up mess

The flights go to and from destinations like Alicante, Malaga and Tenerife.

Michelle Marsh is worried about the rowdy men: "Stag do's or anything like that, I think I'll definitely get it (hassle) and you just have to deal with it.

"I don't know how because I can't tell them to get off the plane half way through the flight."

A quick glance around the plane and there were a number of other familiar faces.

Maggot from Goldie Lookin Chain is there, as is former rugby player Kyran Bracken and glamour model Bianca Gascoigne.

It's Chico time

The journey home with Chico as our 'Trolley Dolly' is secretly what we've all been waiting for. He's all smiles as he greets us onto the plane calling everyone 'Darling' or 'Honey'. Even the men.

Chico proved popular with his 'What time is it?' catchphrase

Dan O'Connor from Neighbours and Mica Paris are the other cabin crew, but get slightly ignored in favour of Chico.

It's ridiculous how many times people ask him 'What time is it?' but he does respond accordingly.

He told Newsbeat: "I'm not nervous, I want to enjoy myself and have some fun. I love it, I love people, this is a job for people, for the people, by the people, to the people, it's all about the people."

Chico is probably the most relaxed and comfortable in the role. He could even win it.

It all kicks off on ITV2 next Tuesday at 9pm.