I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle camp

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I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle camp

As I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! 2023's launch date is just days away and host Declan Donnelly has already been spotted out and about in Australia excitement for the new series is drumming up

Rumours had been rife in the lead-up to an official announcement regarding the cast but viewers don't have long to wait. Over the past few days, celebs from all walks of life have been seen walking through arrivals at Brisbane Airport ahead of their jungle stint. Host Ant McPartlin was pictured landing Down Under on Saturday evening and teased an 'incredible cast' this year. McPartlin and his co-host Declan Donnelly are set to start rehearsing on-site with 'guinea pig' volunteers who will act as contestants.Celebrities from the world of daytime TV, pop stardom and even politics have signed up to take part in the gruelling reality series – with the pressure on to make this year as successful as the last, which saw disgraced MP Matt Hancock and Lioness Jill Scott go head to head for the jungle crown.

Confirmed

Sam Thompson

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle camp eiqruidxihhinvSam admitted enjoying his luxury Business Class flight (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campSam told The Mirror and reporters that he 'loved camping' (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson was the fifth star to land in Australia, confirming his rumoured place in I'm A Celeb. He remained tight-lipped as he walked through arrivals following a luxury Business Class flight, which costs around £9,000. Sam, 31, told The Mirror and other members of the media that he watched "lots of movies" while enjoying the lavish flight Down Under.

Over the course of the past two days, celebs have been seen arriving at Brisbane Airport following a lengthy flight where they lapped up the last bits of luxury in Business Class. However, upon arrival, each star has had a different story to tell, with Josie saying she was Down Under for a weight loss retreat, while Farage joked he was going surfing.

Sam told us: "[It was] great mate, Business Class, come on, unreal!" Before adding: "I've been here briefly but I'm so excited to be here." When prompted on his destination and whether camping may be involved, he responded: "Hey man, who knows where I'm going, I love camping – I'm a big camping fan. That's a big lie, I don't know why I said that I've never been camping in my life."

Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundariesCorrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries

Who do you want to win I’m A Celeb? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

He continued: "Snakes and spiders? I'd be lying if I said I liked them, the smaller they are the worse they are. I had to jump out of a plane once and I cried. So that's a good start." He went on to discuss his partner, former Love Island cast member Zara McDermott who he said would not be missing him too much back in London.

With a grin, he joked: "She's probably happy. She said she can't wait to starfish in the bed. But I should tell you, actually the very last thing she said to me was 'I can put the heating up as high as I want without you having a go at me'. I'm going to be honest with you mate, I do keep control of the heating. And she was like, I can't wait to have the run of the gaff and I was like 'Oh man, that bill is going to be a beaut when I get home'."

Fred Sirieix

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campFirst Dates star Fred was the fourth confirmed campmate (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campHe didn't waste time making a dig at co-star Nigel Farage (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

TV foodie Fred Sirieix, 51, was the fourth confirmed campmate and he wasted no time in making a dig at his I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! co-star Nigel Farage. The French maître d'hôtel, best known for appearing on Channel 4's First Dates, and BBC Two's Million Pound Menu, has an awkward history with the former UKIP leader.

Fred has been described as a vocal Remainer who once branded Farage a "coward who likes attention". As he made his way through airport arrivals today, he was asked who he would least want to go camping with. Fred replied: "I'll let you guess, I'll let you guess!" and began to laugh. The star continued: "I've been camping before, I love camping. But I will miss from home my bed and coffee in the morning."

Asked how he would cope with snakes and spiders he said: "I don't know really. I mean we'll see we have got a lot of big stuff in Australia." The show is famed for its eating trials and Fred said: "I love frogs legs, witchetty grubs, why not?!"

Josie Gibson

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThis Morning star Josie Gibson was spotted arriving at Brisbane airport (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe star was spotted waving to fans as she touched down in Australia (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

After a rumoured tense competition between I’m a Celebrity bosses and Strictly Come Dancing, This Morning star Josie Gibson was finally confirmed as a contestant in this year's series.

The 38-year-old will be aiming to replicate her Big Brother win which led to her hugely successful TV career by being crowned Queen of the Jungle. Speaking to The Mirror upon touching down in Australia, Josie joked that she was Down Under for a 'weight loss retreat' and said: "I'm really excited to be here in Australia, I have never been here before. What am I scared of? I'm here for a weight loss retreat so I don't know what you're talking about."

Bristol-born Josie first found fame when she won the 11th series of Big Brother back in 2010. She managed to secure a huge 77.5 percent of the public vote making her one of the most popular contestants ever. Perhaps for this reason she is the bookmakers' current favourite to win this year's I'm A Celebrity.

Nigel Farage

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campNigel Farage landed in Australia on Sunday morning (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe former UKIP leader joked he travelled Down Under to simply 'surf' (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

GB News host and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage has been photographed making his way through Brisbane airport, before casually claiming he was in the country to 'surf' as he left the arrivals lounge.

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He said: "I'm just here surfing for the week," as he was quizzed by journalists while walking through the airport. Mr Farage was pictured wearing a bright blue shirt and a contrasting pink patterned blazer along with a pair of beige trousers and held a black bag as he greeted those waiting for him at arrivals.

However, the former UKIP leader did reveal he went tee-total for a week before heading to the jungle but confessed he may have given into a cheeky drink on the plane over. Speaking at the airport, he added: "I can't confirm I am doing it but I might be. I just think there is a big young audience out there that watches the programme which is worth talking to. I have been messing about on TikTok for the last few months and you would be surprised, a lot of young people out there are interested in what I have got to say."

Do you want to see Nigel Farage in the I'm A Celeb jungle? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Nella Rose

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campNella Rose has touched down in Brisbane Airport – hours after Nigel Farage (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

YouTube sensation Nella Rose, 24, who boasts a whopping 800,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel and a further 892,000 on Instagram looks set to join the 2023 series after landing in Australia on Sunday shortly after Farage. Nella beamed from ear-to-ear as she made her way through arrivals at the Aussie airport today, but remained tight-lipped on her jungle stint as she was snapped by the awaiting cameras.

As well as her incredible fanbase on YouTube and Instagram, Nella has also garnered an incredible 1 million followers on viral video app TikTok – with bosses hoping her appearance on the ITV show will rake in a much younger audience.

The 26-year-old arrived on Sunday evening local time and posed for photographs wearing sunglasses before heading to her hotel on the Gold Coast with a chaperone from ITV but remained coy on her impending jungle stint.

She joked: "I am here for a holiday," before getting into a car, where she will likely be taken to her accommodation before calling the gruelling jungle camp home for the next few weeks.

But, she almost left the airport without her luggage as her driver then attempted to pull away with the boot open and her luggage outside but she screamed for him to stop and thankfully he obliged.

Asked if she had been camping before, she said: "I don't know what you mean, what's camping?" And, when told it had been raining, she said: "That's cool I came for the rain."

Jamie Lynn Spears

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campJamie Lynn Spears remained tight-lipped at Brisbane Airport (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campITV bosses are hoping she will dish the dirt on Britney (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Britney Spears' sister has arrived Down Under, with ITV bosses hopeful that she will dish the dirt on her older sister.

As she arrived at the airport, she kept quiet about her upcoming jungle experience but did tell The Mirror it was her first time in Australia. She declined to say if her family were coming out and if Britney knew she was doing the show. Wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap she then got into a waiting car. Staff on her United Airlines flight from San Francisco were overheard praising the star in Arrivals. One said: "She was in my section, she was so sweet. She told us she was here for work."

The Mirror exclusively revealed this week that actress Jamie Lynn, 32, has been lined up by ITV bosses amid her tumultuous relationship with her world-famous older sister, who was held for years in a strict conservatorship by their father. Producers believe mum-of-two Jamie Lynn, 32, will prove fascinating when she jets into Australia for the ITV show. In her recent memoir Britney, 41, branded Jamie Lynn a “total b***h” for not helping her more.

One insider said: “Jamie Lynn has got decades of history and bad blood with Britney to rake over and has laid out her feelings pretty clearly in her own book. It will be interesting to hear her spill the beans about her life and her family and the controversial conservatorship - and to find out whether the sisters really do get along now - or not.”

Grace Dent

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campGrace was reportedly offered £100,000 for an appearance on the show (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campShe has slammed the show on several occasions (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

Grace Dent looked radiant as she arrived in Brisbane. Upon arrival, she told the media: "I mean I've made jokes about everything because that's what I do. Like Big Brother and soaps, I always did that from the place of someone that really loved them, and really watched them.

"I think the quote you're talking about from 2011, was about a piece about how much I love the show, (Im A Celeb) right? Because my parents loved to show. Yeah. And they watched it, it was their favourite show ever. So, Why now? Because I'm this age. I think if not now, when?"

The 50-year-old food critic branded the series "a puerile venture into starvation, televised constipation and animal cruelty, abbreviated by ads for Iceland £1 curries," and admitted she was embarrassed to watch the series.

“I snap my blinds firmly shut before settling down to watch I’m a Celeb, in fear the theme tune alone devalues my property," she said in 2012. Grace has reportedly signed a deal worth up to £100,000 to join Ant and Dec Down Under.

“Masterchef fans know Grace for her withering put-downs of contestants’ food and disdain for anything less than stellar cooking. But she’ll be eating humble pie in the jungle, surviving on rice and beans and taking part in Bushtucker trials," an insider told The Sun.

Marvin Humes

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campMarvin Humes touched down in Brisbane earlier this week (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe singer recently finished touring with JLS (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

Marvin Humes, 38, joked he's ready to showcase his impressive abs in the jungle.

He told us: "The six-pack? I've definitely lost a lot of weight on tour. Yeah and this place I'm going, I'm gonna be losing a little bit more weight. So we'll see how it all plays out." Asked if this was perfect timing for the famous jungle shower, he said: "Yes, we'll see."

Marvin is said to have the backing of his wife, The Saturdays singer and This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes, 34, who has never shied away from supporting her husband. "It was tough saying bye to the kids and Rochelle yesterday morning," he said. "But you know what? They're gonna be watching Daddy. So yeah I just need to do them proud."

Asked if they would be allowed to stay up late to watch the show live, he added: "I think that's down to Mummy! she's in charge, as always."

Nick Pickard

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe actor joked he was Down Under for a fishing trip (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campHe admitted it was hard leaving his family behind (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard became one of the last stars to land in Australia.

The 48-year-old joked: "I'm just here for a fishing trip. We'll have to wait and see how I get on with snakes and spiders." Asked if it was hard to leave his family behind he added: "That was the difficult part. It’s a long old fishing trip!" Nick insisted he was unsure how his soap character was being written out for a few weeks. He said: "Do you know what, I’ve not even asked them that. You sort of say you’re going and they sign you off." He also said he had spoken to Hollyoaks co-star Owen Warner, who did well in the jungle last year.

The soap legend has played Tony Hutchinson on the Channel 4 soap for nearly 30 years and bosses are said to be thrilled that he could be heading for the jungle, claiming he will "make great telly".

Danielle Harold

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campDanielle Harold was hesitant to discuss her trip as she arrived at the airport (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe star suffered an awkward blunder (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

EastEnders star Danielle Harold joked that she was in Australia to go surfing with Nigel Farage.

Speaking to The Mirror at the airport, she joked: "I'm just here for some surfing with Nigel Farage! I heard this is a really good spot for some surfing. I'll give it a go, I'll give it a go. Listen me and Nigel come every year you know. Imagine! I'm actually excited to get out of here and see how hot it is. I'm buzzing! Exactly. No need for fake tan, no glam! The glam's gone."

However, she suffered an awkward blunder when staff struggled to fit her luggage in an awaiting car. It was claimed the actress "caught the eye" of ITV bosses thanks to her EastEnders role as Lola Pearce-Brown.

Rumoured stars

Speculation has been rife for months over the identities of some potential celebrity contestants. Jockey Frankie Dettori was spotted Down Under in the early hours of Monday morning having ridden a big race winner in the US over the weekend. Meanwhile, rumours are rife that a This Morning host could be swapping the show's iconic sofa for nights under the Australian stars in the I'm a Celebrity camp. Soap legends, a JLS star, a drag queen and various sports stars have also been linked to the upcoming season of the show.

Last year's line-up saw the show take place back Down Under after two years in Wales. The likes of Boy George, Matt Hancock and Chris Moyles took part, with footballing star Jill Scott taking home the jungle crown. With much anticipation on who could be taking on the Bushtucker Trials, here's a list of those confirmed and who we could expect to see in the 2023 series...

Danny Cipriani

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campITV bosses are hoping the sports star will share stories about his famous exes while in camp (PA)

Rugby hunk Danny Cirpiani is arguably as well known for handling egg shaped balls as he is for handling attractive women – having been romantically involved with a string of sexy stars over the years. And it seems show bosses are keen to add Danny to the line-up for 2023 with the hope that he might open up about his past romances with the likes of Kelly Brook, Katie Price and Kirsty Gallacher.

A source told the Daily Mail: "Danny is one of the most exciting signings for this series... There is also huge anticipation that he will reveal secrets from his showbiz lifestyle... but he has a sense of humour too which will ensure he is both popular amongst his camp mates but also with those watching at home."

The Vivienne

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe Vivienne could be preparing for another reality TV show appearance (ITV)

RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne, otherwise known as James Lee Williams, is rumoured to be heading to the jungle. Having already competed on Dancing on Ice earlier this year, she has already had a taste of reality competitions. The Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race in the UK in 2019 and has been a firm favourite with the public ever since.

Chatting on ITV show Lorraine previously about a possible jungle stint Down Under, The Vivienne confessed: "I’ve never thought about it but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be… Get me to that jungle, what a great life opportunity. I am all for that!"

James Buckley

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campJames his most known for playing Jay in The Inbetweeners (Channel 4)

The beloved Inbetweeners actor, famous for his know-it-all 'completed it mate' schoolboy character Jay, could be joining this year's star-studded line-up. He's previously expressed interest in the popular ITV programme and would make a hilarious addition.

Guaranteed to make his campmates laugh, brining humour to this year's line-up, James previously admitted he'd love to take on the "challenge" of I'm A Celeb. Now a father and successful YouTube and podcast star, it could be his time.

Speaking of joining the line-up previously, James said: "I'm not a huge fan of celebrity reality shows. But out of all of those ones, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! does personally seem to be the most interesting because it feels like a challenge. I'd be cold, I'd be hungry and even when you win a meal, I'd be like, 'I just want a Big Mac'."

Are you looking forward to the return of I'm A Celebrity? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Alex Beresford

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe Good Morning Britain star has already won one reality TV show this year

The Good Morning Britain weather presenter could well be taking part in this year's season of I'm A Celeb after shooting BBC's Celebrity Race Across The World. Now in the reality TV spotlight, Alex could be part of this year's line-up.

He's previously admitted wanting to do I'm A Celeb, saying he is a "big fan of the heat" so filming in Australia would be "awesome". The timings could align and Alex would bounce from one major show to the next, joining a host of famous faces.

"Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle," he said previously. But the only thing is I don’t know how good I would be with snakes and spiders but I think it is the show that all of us that work in telly want to do, it is that show isn’t it? I am a fan of the heat so going to Australia would be awesome. I would get stuck in but I think lying down with snakes all around you, ugh!"

Matt Baker

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campMatt Baker could be set for the jungle this Autumn (David Hartley/REX/Shutterstock)

Matt Baker has been one of the most recognisable British faces on television for decades now – from presenting Blue Peter to starring in Doctor Who and feeling at home on Countryfile – but the popular star could be set to take on his biggest TV challenge yet in the jungle.

The BBC presenter is yet to head into the Australian jungle, despite being rumoured in the line-up numerous times, and he revealed very little about the possibility of swapping sheep for snakes this year. "We've got woods on our farm and I spend a lot of time out there – it's kind of the Durham Dales version of the jungle. I'm not shy of being out in the trees," Matt told The Mirror on the topic of I'm A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here.

Frankie Dettori

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe racing legend is reportedly ready to head Down Under (CHANNEL 5)
I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campIt won't be his first reality TV show appearance, having previously lived in the Big Brother house (REX)

Odds on champion jockey Frankie Dettori swapping the Grand National for a Bushtucker Trial have now dropped as low as 2/1 last month – and they are likely to drop even further since the sports star has landed Down Under. William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: "Presuming this will be his last season in the saddle, we’ve seen plenty of money come in for Frankie Dettori to appear in this year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in November.

"There seems to be confidence that the Italian jockey will serve a stint in the jungle this year, with his price of 16/1 earlier this month shrinking to just 2/1 as of Wednesday morning." Frankie is no stranger to reality TV thanks to his 2013 appearance in Celebrity Big Brother.

Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed Frankie has already signed the contract to appear on I'm a Celebrity in November, revealing: "Frankie is excited for the jungle but is just worried about who will do his hair while he is there!".

Tony Bellew

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campTony is heading into the jungle this year (PA)

Former professional boxer Tony Bellew retired from the sport in 2018, but now he looks set to take on his toughest challenge yet by heading Down Under in the jungle. The Liverpudlian, who has Cruiserweight, Heavyweight, and Light-Heavyweight titles to his name, has also worked as a pundit for the sport since retiring.

Tony is no stranger to reality TV and last year took part in Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. The former boxer has also starred on the big screen with roles in boxing films Creed and Creed II.

Jade Thirlwall

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campJade previously admitted she was open to the jungle

Little Mix star Jade Thirwall previously revealed she would be open to heading Down Under into the I'm A Celebrity jungle and this year could be the time she signs up. Back in 2021, Jade teased the possibility of becoming a campmate while her bandmates Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock enjoyed their maternity leave.

Speaking to Amanda Holden on Heart FM, the pop star said: "I'll give everything a go, do you know what I mean? I'll give it a crack."

Susanna Reid

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campSusanna refused to shut down rumours she'd signed up (ITV)

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid dropped a huge hint that she'll be following in the footsteps of her co-star Kate Garraway and signing up to the Australian jungle. The presenter told ITV viewers that "Ranvir Singh is convinced she is going in" and Susanna did little to stamp out the rumours.

It was revealed that Ranvir has been teasing Susanna by sending snake and spider emojis while entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold claimed her new shorter hairstyle could be in preparation for "going in" to the jungle. Susanna only added fuel to the fire by saying: "I can neither confirm nor deny."

Phil Taylor

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campPhil admitted he'd love to do I'm A Celebrity (Getty Images)

Darts champion Phil Taylor previously admitted that he would be interested in becoming an I'm A Celebrity campmate. Phil told The Mirror that he would love to experience the jungle after his late mentor Eric Bristow enjoyed a stint in the jungle back in 2012.

Phil said: "I would like to do the jungle – I'm not so sure about Strictly, although it would do me the world of good and get me fit. But if I was asked to do the jungle, and it fits in with my schedule, I would love to have a crack at it."

Will Mellor

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe Corrie star could be heading Down Under (ITV)

After taking to the dancefloor for Strictly Come Dancing last year, could Will Mellor be ready to try his luck on another reality TV show? His old co-star and friend Ralf Little certainly thinks so. The Two Pints of Lager actor in 2021 said: "Will [Mellor] and I talked about it on the podcast and... [he] said [he'd go on] I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! I was like, 'Really?'."

He continued to tell HELLO! magazine: "Will said, 'It's the biggest and why not?' So I said I'd be quite interested in Dancing on Ice, just for the fact that you're learning an entirely new skill. You go in not able to ice skate and you'd come out being able to do triple axles or whatever they do. So let's just say right now, I don't have any particular plans to be doing one, but never say never."

Denise Van Outen

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campDenise Van Outen could be set to make her jungle debut (PA)

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Denise has also been on The Masked Singer and Dancing on Ice, with injury forcing her out of the latter and she's gone public with wanting to do I'm A Celebrity before she turns 50. Denise celebrated her 49th birthday in May so the clock is ticking.

Talking previously about the possibility of camping with some famous faces, the former Big Breakfast host told The Sun: "I will do it at some point. I think I'm A Celebrity for my 50th birthday would be something nice to do. I am a lot more jungle vibes than castle vibes, to be honest."

Chris Gascoyne

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campThe soap legend has some time free to head Down Under

After playing the role of Peter Barlow in the hit ITV soap, Chris Gascoyne is set to play an integral part of a huge storyline as he makes his way out of the show. But it looks as though the 55 year old star, who has taken an extended break from Weatherfield, has his eyes firmly set on joining I'm A Celeb - he's just waiting to be asked. According to those close to him, he has already turned down Dancing On Ice and Strictly Come Dancing because being part of the Aussie jungle holds far more appeal.

A source told The Sun: "Chris is very in demand now he’s taking a break from Corrie and he’s had quite a lot of offers. He’s always said it would be his worst nightmare to do any kind of dancing — so instantly said no to Strictly and Dancing on Ice.He really wants to do I’m A Celebrity but is still waiting to be asked. None of his friends would be surprised if he pops up in the jungle next year though.” Chris first joined the show in 2000 as Ken Barlow's eldest son and viewers have seen his character go through a major storyline of battling alcoholism.

Catherine Tate

Actress and comedian Catherine has been busy working on the BBC sitcom, Queen of Oz of late in which she stars as a disgraced fictional member of the Royal Family who is sent to rule in Australia. How very apt. When asked last year whether she'd be willing to appear in a very manner Down Under, she told OK! : "I’m A Celebrity – I’m not saying never, I’m just saying, not now."

She continued: "I could literally do anything in the jungle, you could put me with rats and bury me underground, anything like that – but I couldn’t be eating that old gear they give you."

Out of the running

Alan Halsall

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campAlan's pal and co-star Andy will have some tips for him if he does sign up for the ITV series (Instagram)

Alan is best known as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street after joining in 1998. With his popularity, bosses are reportedly excited to sign him up for the next series of reality series. "Sometimes soap actors who are known for their iconic roles don’t quite translate once in camp - Adam Woodyatt being one recent example," a source explained.

Speaking about Alan being in talks to join the show, the source continued to The Sun: "But Alan is a top lad with bags of personality so ITV are over the moon he’s in talks to join their 2023 cast." If Alan does head Down Under for a stint in the jungle, he will follow in the footsteps of Corrie co-stars like Simon Gregson, Andy Whyment and many more.

However, a recent health update from the soap star, in which he revealed he has undergone major surgery, has meant it's unlikely he will be jetting off to Australia for this series. Alan posted a picture of himself on Instagram showing himself in comfy black clothes, lying on a bed and giving a thumbs-up to the camera with one leg propped up by a pillow.

He added a caption saying: "Reconstruction surgery." He also wrote: "Well, On Friday I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. I have been told the surgery went really well." Alan added: "I know I have a long 9-12 months of rehabilitation ahead of me but I'm sure with the support of family and friends I'll get there."

Olivia Attwood

I'm A Celeb line-up as Jamie Lynn Spears and Nigel Farage head to jungle campOlivia's time on I'm A Celebrity was cut short (ITV)

Former Love Island star Olivia Attwood's take-no-prisoners attitude was sorely missed when she was forced to pull out of last year’s show due to health issues. Olivia unfortunately missed out on her chance at challenging herself in the jungle, but the star heavily linked with to making comeback this year.

She was spotted jetting out of Manchester Airport days before the show is due to launch. Arriving at the airport Olivia could be seen wearing a grey tracksuit with a black T-shirt. She accessorised her look with some chunky glasses and wheeled her two big suitcases alongside her. Olivia went makeup free for the journey and styled her blonde hair in loose waves.

Olivia, who made history as the first Love Islander to appear on the series last year, had previously confirmed she was in talks about going back to the jungle after her stint was "cut short". However, in a lengthy Instagram statement on Sunday (November 12) she put the rumours firmly to bed, declaring she won't be taking part.

"I wasn't going to talk about anything jungle related because if I'm honest, the way things played out last year still hurts my heart... and my brain," she explained. "I have been avoiding Instagram, but the sheer volume of you messaging about the show, commenting, meeting you in person etc I feel like its wrong not to speak to you."

She continued: "I couldn't commit to going back this year. It wasn't the right time for me. There were many things I had to weigh up, but ultimately the sheer intensity of my schedule doesn't allow for that much 'time out of the office'. I read all your messages about the show, your support and love I will never take for granted.

"One day I hope the time is right. We can finish my jungle story... for you guys and for myself..."

Harry Rutter

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