I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! The lineup has been unveiled, and it includes recognisable personalities such as politicians, actresses, athletic icons, and influencers, as well as the younger sister of a huge music artist.
In just over a week, the long-running reality series will return to television screens.
Stars have been preparing to go Down Under ahead of the upcoming season to take on Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly’s Bushtucker Trials, as well as the myriad creepy crawlies that await them in camp.
Late last month, the hosts teased the return of Jungle Retreat with a 10-second teaser including pictures of the trees and famous bridge we all know and love – before turning to some sun loungers in the sun.
While ITV has yet to announce the official line-up, whispers have been circling this week about who would be taking part, with the 12 names now having been ‘confirmed’.
These are the people who will be putting their bodies – and stomachs – on the line to follow in the footsteps of former Lioness player and Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott.
Tony Bellew
The first name reported to be taking part is former boxer Tony Bellew, who has several world titles to his name.
While he retired from the sport in 2018, in recent years he has been working as a pundit.
He has also starred on the big screen with roles in boxing flicks Creed and Creed II.
Last year Tony also competed in another reality series- Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Jamie-Lynn Spears
After much speculation, Britney Spears’ younger sister Jamie-Lynn Spears is reported to have also been cast in the series, as reported by The Sun.
The 32-year-old mother of two is best known for her role on the famous teen sitcom Zoey 101, but she has lately made news for her spat with her elder sister, who just wrote her tell-all memoir detailing her years-long conservatorship under their father’s supervision.
Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage, the controversial politician, was also mentioned this week, with the former Brexit Party chairman now following in the footsteps of Matt Hancock, who placed himself in the firing line in the jungle.
According to reports, the 59-year-old struck a contract for up to £1 million.
A source previously told the publication Farage had ‘been at the top of the wish-list for I’m A Celeb bosses for years’.
‘They’ve offered him a huge fee as they know he’ll drive up viewing figures.
‘It’s a real coup. The casting team has nailed it. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant series.’
Nick Pickard
Nick Pickard, 48, from Hollyoaks, is also collecting his belongings for a trip to the Gold Coast.
The actor, well known for his role as Tony Hutchinson, also succeeds his co-star Owen Warner, who finished second last season.
Josie Gibson
Following considerable speculation, This Morning actress Josie Gibson will be taking a break from early mornings for breakfast TV in order to wake up to the occasionally disturbing noises of whatever creatures await in the jungle.
She was said to be on the list months ago, with a source suggesting producers were ‘keen’ to acquire her.
‘She is seen as the perfect person for the jungle as she’s already such a familiar face on ITV and will bring her fanbase with her,’ they said.
‘She’s incredibly down-to-earth and seems to strike a chord with people at home.
‘Plus they’re confident Josie will bring the laughs to I’m A Celebrity, as she already does on This Morning, and is guaranteed to get on with most of the jungle campmates.’
Josie, who was born in Bristol, won Big Brother in 2010 and went on to compete in This Morning presenting contests before becoming a part-time presenter.
Fred Siriex
Fred, 51, from First Dates, may be assigned cooking tasks while in camp as the group tries to figure out how to stretch and be creative with their limited food budget.
According to a source, he was planning to switch from high-end restaurants to very boring camp meals in September.
However last year he admitted he was unlikely to accept any offer for the series as he ‘wasn’t too keen’ on ‘eating a camel’s anus or something like that’.
‘I know I eat frogs, I’m French, but at least those frogs are cooked!’
Frankie Dettori
Frankie, the 52-year-old horse racing great, appeared to confirm his involvement in the series earlier this week when he revealed he was already in Australia.
The world-renowned jockey announced on social media that he was going to board an aircraft from California to Melbourne for the city’s iconic horse racing event, The Melbourne Cup, but with the Gold Coast only a few hours flight away, it’s not a leap to think he’s already there.
Nella Rose
Nella, 24, is a social media influencer best known for presenting Catfish UK on MTV, but she has also built herself a career with her beauty videos and comic routines, attracting a large following.
Originally from Belgium and currently residing in London, the show’s producers are hoping she will help draw in younger viewers, which she should be able to achieve thanks to her 800,000 strong fan network.
Danielle Harold
Danielle, another serial actress due to feature this season, is expected to return to screens following the devastating loss of her EastEnders character Lola Pearce.
In a sad plot earlier this year, Lola died from a deadly brain tumour.
At this year’s National Television Awards, the 31-year-old actress won the prize Best Serial Drama Performance.
According to a source, she is presently “at the pinnacle of her career,” and her “moving” tale got the attention of ITV executives.
Sam Thompson
Sam is preparing to go to the other side of the world for his own reality TV stint, just as his partner, former Love Island star Zara McDermott, was booted from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 31-year-old Made in Chelsea star initially appeared on the show in 2013 and currently hosts the Staying Relevant podcast Towie’s Pete Wicks.
He also hosted the official Love Island podcast and participated on Aftersun, a spin-off show.
A source has said he is a ‘great signing because he has a huge fan base and a funny, self-deprecating personality’.
‘While it might put a bit of pressure on his relationship with Zara McDermott, it tops off a huge year for them after her Strictly spell.’
Marvin Humes
Marvin’s wife Rochelle was previously mum about his suspected casting for I’m A Celeb, but it now appears that the former JLS member will be joining the jungle.
He rose to prominence as a member of The X Factor boyband in 2008, and has subsequently gone on to present The Voice between 2014 and 2016, as well as co-host the music game show The Hit List with his wife for the last four years.
Grace Dent
Despite her earlier criticism of the show, MasterChef judge Grace may be eating humble pie after joining up.
The 50-year-old TV food reviewer previously called the show “a puerile venture into starvation, televised constipation, and animal cruelty, abbreviated by ads for Iceland £1 curries.”
However, it appears she has decided to give it a shot and put her hypothesis to the test.
I’m A Celebrity starts on Sunday, November 19 at 9pm on ITV2.
