I'm A Celeb's highest-paid star as fans left in fits of rage amid boycott

13 November 2023 , 10:13

421     0

I'm A Celeb's highest-paid star as fans left in fits of rage amid boycott

Nigel Farage is said to be the highest-paid person entering this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! camp.

The controversial former MEP, who in the past has been accused of racism, sexism and xenophobia touched down in Brisbane on Sunday ahead of the show returning later this week. While he refused to confirm he would be appearing on the show, Mr Farage, 59, implied he "might" be.

But while ITV bosses are said to be over the moon with their signing, the decision hasn't gone down too well with viewers who have threatened to boycott the series. Now, it's been claimed that ITV "needs him more than he needs them".

Earlier this week, we reported that the GB News presenter had bagged an eye-watering £1.5million for his appearance, as well as a Business Class flight with Singapore Airlines to Brisbane, which on average costs around £9,000. Accounts for his political party, Reform UK, showed that the company was in a million pounds of debt.

Nigel Farage has reportedly become the highest-paid I'm A Celebrity star of all time (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

His signing for the show has angered viewers who have vowed to boycott the series (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

The records which were shared with Companies House for the right-wing group show that it has net liabilities of £1,106,050. The debt comes after accounts stated it received almost £3million from donations just three years ago. A source told the MailOnline: "ITV needs him more than he needs them.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

"His TikTok has taken off in quite a big way and his social media presence on platforms that appeal to a younger audience has exponentially expanded. One of ITV's biggest priorities is to capture the younger viewers – so Nigel will be a huge driver for that."

If you can't see the poll, click here

Mr Farage's expensive signing comes after Noel Edmonds was once the highest-paid celebrity, raking in £600,000 back in 2018. Meanwhile, Olympian and reality mega-star Caitlyn Jenner was paid half a million to camp alongside Nadine Coyle on the show just four years ago. Prior to this, Harry Redknapp was also paid £500,000 for his appearance which saw him become the winner in 2018.

Prior to departing for Australia, Mr Farage told his GB News viewers he was "seriously considering" offers from ITV. Last month, he said: "In my mind, if I was to do it, I might be able to connect with that audience because goodness me they all watch it. There are downsides to doing it as well. I haven't absolutely fully made up my mind. I'm running a poll as we speak on TikTok asking people do you think I should do it? Or do you think I should not do it? I am in talks contractually. And those talks have been going on for two or three days, and there will be an absolute definitive answer within the next 48 hours."

Daniel Bird