The Only Way Is Liverpool?

A glamour model and a boxing champion are to appear in the first series of 'The Only Way Is Liverpool'.

Bosses of the ITV2 reality show - which is to build on the popularity of 'The Only Way Is Essex' - are hoping the introduction of a host of outrageous characters will make the series an even bigger hit than its Southern rival.

On the search for "real Scousers", producers have already met with former British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith Jnr and are keen to sign him up for a role as the show's "alpha male".

Meanwhile, it is thought 29-year-old Amanda Harrington - who has been linked to Premiership footballers Joey Barton and Jose Baxter - could be Liverpool's answer to Essex's glamour girls Amy Childs, Sam Faiers and Lauren Goodger.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Amanda loves the spotlight and it would be her dream come true to become one of the faces of the show. She impressed producers when she met them and they think she'd be a good asset considering she's already got a huge following in the glamour model industry."

Bosses of 'The Only Way Is Liverpool' also believe Paul would be a hit with female viewers, and have asked the cast they have already recruited to find "over the top" friends who are also willing to appear in the show.

The source added: "Producers think Paul would be very popular with female viewers who like a bit of brawn. They have been asked to find pals who are willing to appear on the show.

"The producers want it as over the top as possible with as many wannabe WAGs, models and flashy posers as they can get. They think it can be even bigger than 'The Only Way Is Essex'.