We’ve got our lineup for the all-star edition of I’m A Celebrity… – I need to get out of here! and it’s an excellent one!
Last year, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly stated that a slew of jungle favourites will be returning for a very special season in South Africa, which will premiere this spring.
Naturally, there has been much conjecture about who may return for a second season of the program, with names such as Katie Price and Gillian McKeith being mentioned.
But now we have proof, as the Geordie combo made an amazing revelation this weekend on Saturday Night Takeaway.
Carol Vorderman, Paul Burrell, Jordan Bango, Shaun Ryder, Helen Flanagan, Fatima Whitbread, Phil Tuffnel, Amir Khan, and Janice Dickinson make up the cast.
Ant and Dec then proceeded to offer fans an exclusive sneak peek of what’s to come – and it looks dramatic to say the least.
As the celebrities fight to be dubbed the first I’m A Celebrity Legend, there will be tears, tantrums, conflicts, and, of course, Bushtucker Trails.
However, they will have to battle for their right to stay in the camp, confronting their worst fears, whether they be of snakes, water, confined quarters, or creepy crawlies.
It’s basically I’m A Celeb at its best, and we’re more than ready for the mayhem.
So, let’s meet the celebs that are taking part and find out what pulled them back to the jungle…
Amir Khan
Amir, a former professional boxer, debuted on the 17th series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! was released in 2017.
It didn’t take long for him to become embroiled in controversy in the Australian jungle, when he and campmate comic Iain Lee kept a reward earned during a Dingo Dollar Challenge to themselves.
Amir and Iain got caught up in ‘Strawberry Gate,’ when they ate a reward of strawberries and cream instead of bringing it back to camp to share with their fellow candidates.
The boxer let Iain take the heat from the others in the bush once they admitted what they had done, and the ramifications lasted for days.
‘I’m determined this time not to be soft when it comes to the trials,’ he remarked ahead of his appearance on the all-stars series.
Jordan Banjo
Jordan, one of the most well-known members of the dancing ensemble Diversity, arrived in Australia for the 16th season of I’m A Celebrity.
The 30-year-old became the show’s fourth celebrity exit in 2016.
Jordan, who co-hosts the Kiss radio breakfast show with Diversity member Perri Kiely, remarked, ‘How many people get the chance to do it twice?
‘A series with different campmates from over the years sounds pretty cool and my fellow Diversity dancers are excited to see me suffer again.’
Helen Flanagan
Helen, a former Coronation Street actress, initially appeared on I’m A Celebrity in its 12th series more than a decade ago.
The 32-year-old actress, well known for her role as Rosie Webster in the ITV serial, was chosen to participate in Bushtucker Trials owing to her frequently uneasy reaction, which captivated viewers.
Helen, who finished eighth the first time around, said: ‘I am not saying I am going to go in and be a jungle warrior and be absolutely amazing because I will not.
‘Yes, I will be scared but I will have a go and I will be a lot better than last time.’
Carol Vorderman
Carol, a former Countdown host, competed on I’m A Celebrity in 2016 alongside Jordan.
The 62-year-old survived the jungle for 19 days before being ousted as the fifth participant.
Carol stated of her experience on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, ‘Doing I’m A Celebrity changed me a lot and I can’t wait to take part in this new series.
‘I loved everything about I’m A Celebrity (the first time round).’
She also revealed: ‘We’ve still got a WhatsApp group (from 2016).’
Fatima Whitbread
Fatima, a former professional javelin thrower, first appeared on I’m A Celebrity in the 11th series, and is known by many for getting a cockroach caught up her nose after being forced to wear a helmet containing thousands of the insects as part of a Bushtucker Trial.
Fatima, 62, was eventually helped by the show’s medical staff, who used a syringe to push water up her nose and remove not one, but two bugs, leaving the show’s hosts speechless.
Two-time Olympic medal winner Fatima, who finished the 2011 series in third place, said: ‘I learnt a lot about myself in the Australian camp and I know there will be some life-size characters and life-size egos in South Africa too. But what a great experience it is going to be.’
Paul Burrell
Paul Burrell, Diana’s former butler, appeared in the original format during the show’s fourth series over two decades ago.
The 64-year-old emerged in second place after dazzling spectators with his expressive facial expressions during the Bushtucker Bonanza challenge, in which he had to stick his hand into a variety of concealed holes filled with various critters and recover stars to win meals for camp.
Paul said: ‘I loved doing it the first time around and to be asked again is very special.
‘It’s like coming into the final of the jungle Olympics.
‘I had to eat kangaroo testicles in Australia and I am expecting everything to be bigger in South Africa.’
Phil Tufnell
Phil, a former professional cricketer, is the only previous winner confirmed to appear on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.
During the second series of I’m A Celebrity… in 2003, the 56-year-old was crowned king of the jungle.
Ahead of his return as part of the all-stars season, Phil said: ‘I am one of the lucky few to have gone in the jungle and experienced it all and that’s what appealed to me when they phoned up to ask me to take part again. I said yes immediately.’
Janice Dickinson
Janice, an American model and TV personality, established herself as a fiery character during the seventh series of the show’s original format and finished second in 2007.
Janice, 68, spent much of her time in the Australian jungle arguing with public relations expert Lynne Franks.
She said: ‘I’m coming back for more fun, more camaraderie and to see if I can get along with everyone.
‘You never know what’s going to jump up.’
Shaun Ryder
Shaun, from Happy Mondays, is the final celebrity announced for the series. He initially appeared in the jungle in 2010, finishing second in the tenth series.
The 60-year-old said: ‘All I can remember about the trials is eating a lot of penises, testicles and eyeballs.’
He added: ‘I could have stayed another year in Australia. I loved living outside in the camp and I had a proper laugh with my fellow celebrities.
‘I know going to South Africa will be a great adventure. I can’t wait to do it.’
Speaking about the upcoming series, Ant said: ‘It’s a question we always get asked, “Who would you bring back to the jungle?”
‘So, to get this opportunity to make a brand new show in South Africa and put some of our previous campmates through their paces again was the dream.’
Dec added: ‘It’s bigger and wilder than we could have hoped for so viewers are in for a real treat!’
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will air on ITV1 and ITVX at the end of April.