Bravo gives celebrity poker a winning hand

LAS VEGAS, July 23 (UPI) -- Despite the pullout of its sponsor, the Bravo cable network has given the green light to a fourth round of its popular "Celebrity Poker Showdown."

Bravo President Lauren Zalaznick said the show is close to signing a new sponsor, Zap2it.com reported Friday. Cingular wireless ended its sponsorship last week, citing the drinking and occasional raw language by celebrities as they play poker for their favorite charities.

Bravo said the next tournament will run six weeks, with the winners of the first five tables moving on to the championship game. Host Dave Foley and poker expert Phil Gordon will be back to call the action.

"Celebrity Poker Showdown" averages about 1 million viewers per week and is the network's No. 2 series, behind "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," Zap2It said.