Dan Osborne is in talks to star in 'Celebrity Big Brother'.

Dan Osborne

Dan Osborne

The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star has been approached by show-makers who are keen to secure him for the forthcoming series so he can convince people he's a "nice guy".

A source said: "Dan was reality TV's golden boy but the public's perception of him totally changed after hearing all the horrible things he said to Megan.

"He's done for unless he convinces people he's really a nice guy."

The 23-year-old hunk - who recently got engaged to 'EastEnders' actress Jacqueline Jossa - was axed from 'TOWIE' back in April after recordings were leaked of him threatening to stab his ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin, with whom he has 17-month-old son Teddy.

In the clips, he fumed: "If you go near another man I promise you I will stab you in the f**king throat.

"It won't be funny when you're in hospital."

However, producers believe appearing on the reality show could be the perfect way to revive his career, as other controversial characters such as Jim Davidson and N-Dubz star Dappy have done before.

The source told The Sun newspaper: "Big Brother loves controversial figures and Dan is on the job hunt after 'Towie' ditched him, so this could be a match made in heaven.

"This is his best opportunity to show people how sorry he is -- and collect a big cheque at the same time."