Lawyer: Blagojevich wife eyed for TV show

CHICAGO, April 25 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's wife, Patti, has been approached regarding a role in an upcoming NBC reality TV series, a lawyer says.

An anonymous defense lawyer said NBC executives have asked Patti Blagojevich to represent her husband in the forthcoming series "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" The Chicago Sun-Times said Friday Blagojevich was approached after a judge opposed the former governor's involvement in the series.

The unidentified attorney said both the disgraced former governor and his wife should avoid the TV series as it will be set in the Costa Rican jungle.

"They both should follow Judge (James) Zagel's sage advice regarding Costa Rica," the lawyer said, referring to the U.S. District Court judge's opposition to Rod Blagojevich leaving the country amid a federal corruption case.

Blagojevich lost his Illinois post in January after the Illinois House of Representatives voted to impeach him over allegations of bribery and fraud.

The Sun-Times said Blagojevich and his wife were considering serving as "Celebrity" contestants to earn extra income.