Son says father nixed reality show dream

ROME, July 10 (UPI) -- The son of one of Italy's political leaders has asked his father to let him participate in a celebrity reality television show.

Ricardo Bossi, 25, son of Northern League's Umberto Bossi, told Chi magazine he was "dying" to get on "L'Isola dei Famosi," an Italian version of the hit British program, "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here," the Italian news agency ANSA reported Tuesday.

"My dad was all for it but then he spoke to the head of the TV channel and now he won't let me do it," the younger Bossi said.

The elder Bossi is an ally of ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, leader of Italy's center-right opposition. The show featuring older celebrities and younger men and women performing stunts on an island is popular in Britain, Germany and Italy.

Father Bossi reportedly told Gente magazine, "My son Riccardo on 'Isola dei Famosi'? I'll kick his backside."