Tom Skinner shares why 'a deal couldn't be done' to appear on I'm A Celebrity

21 December 2023 , 14:49

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The Apprentice star was 1/7 favourite to enter the jungle this year

Tom Skinner has explained why he didn't appear on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! this year, despite being tipped to enter the jungle last month.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror earlier this week, The Apprentice legend, 33, revealed talks with ITV did take place regarding the dad-of-three enjoying a stint sleeping under the stars Down Under.

But sadly for I'm A Celebrity fans, Tom was nowhere to be seen when the likes of This Morning presenter Josie Gibson and Britney Spears' little sister Jamie Lynn tackled some Bushtucker Trials - despite bookies putting the Celebrity MasterChef star at 1/7 odd-on favourite to enter the jungle in September.

"I thought I was going on I'm A Celebrity this year," Tom admitted this when asked about the speculation he was set to be a camper. "I was the bookies favourite by a long way to go in there this year but a deal couldn't be done this year so..."

The Apprentice star is up for a stint in the jungle and a 'free holiday to Australia' (iamtomskinner/Instagram)

"I would 100% accept if they asked me. I think i'd be quite good at it. I ain't scared of nothing apart from heights yeah, but I would like to overcome that fear. I'm well good with people, I'd be a good little chef in there and lose a little bit of weight - plus it's a free holiday to Australia!"

TOWIE's Chloe Brockett makes cheeky dig at Saffron Lempriere during filming

Quizzed about how he'd handle some of the ITV show's gruesome eating challenges and camp rations, dad-of-three Tom - who has teamed up with Sainsbury's to launch their new festive roast - joked: "I used to run a burger van on Bromford market - I can eat anything!"

This year's series of I'm a Celebrity could have possibly benefited with a boost of Tom's positivity rather than controversial campmates, with the ITV show losing millions of viewers thanks to paying controversial former MEP Nigel Farage a rumoured £1.5million to appear on the latest series.

I'm A Celebrity's big finale at the start of December attracted 3.6million fewer viewers compared to last year's viewership, with many pointing the blame at Farage for fans failing to tune in to see Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson crowned King of the Jungle. GB News host Farage, 59, landed just over a quarter of the votes to win, with 25.78% while Sam Thompson gained 56.64% and boxer Tony Bellew - 43.36%.

* Tom Skinner is working with Sainsbury’s to launch its feed six for less than £20 roast this Christmas, at £2.85 per person. A vegetarian roast is also available for less than £17. Both can be purchased in store and online until 24th December with Nectar Prices.

Zoe Delaney