“Philling" the void left by recently-departed Celebrity Poker Showdown host Phil Gordon, the show just announced that Phil #2, i.e., Phil Hellmuth, would be stepping into Gordon's shoes. As previously reported by Poker777, after word surfaced of Gordon's impending departure, Hellmuth entered talks with Bravo, the network that airs Celebrity Poker Showdown. Hellmuth joins the celebrity poker TV show, which is basically a made-for-TV celebrity charity poker tournament, as it enters its eighth tournament.

For its eighth tournament, the show will not only get a new co-host, but also a new venue. Filmed previously at the Palms Casino, the show will now be filmed at Harrah's New Orleans, which recently reopened after completing repairs of damage it suffered during last year's Hurricane Katrina.

On the set, Hellmuth joins veteran Celebrity Poker Showdown host, comedian Dave Foley. Although, in general, the notorious “Poker Brat" seems to have no problem mouthing off on national television, in the role of co-host, he'll likely have to curb his enthusiasm.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Saturday, 25 March 2006