I'm A Celeb's Shaun Ryder compared to unlikely movie icon by Phil Tuffnel

24 April 2023 , 21:30

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I'm A Celeb's Shaun Ryder compared to unlikely movie icon by Phil Tuffnel

Phil Tufnell says Shaun Ryder is turning into Star Wars' Yoda - because of his walking stick and pointy ears.

The former England cricketer hit it off with the Happy Mondays frontman from the off in the South African camp and the pair have been chatting about a variety of subjects including aches and pains and the cooking pans.

Tufnell, 56, said: "I mean Shaun Ryder absolute legend, and we just have a laugh.

"He makes me laugh and I think, especially with that stick, he looks like Yoda. Y'know the little bloke with the hessian cloak in Star Wars with the stick and the ears. I reckon he's gonna start levitating soon, haha."

Phil Tuffnell appears to have taken a liking to Shaun Ryder (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Ryder was also full of praise for the nine contestants who went into the show at the beginning including Tufnell.

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Speaking on the launch episode of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa, Shaun commented: "Seems a really, really good bunch of people. Dead natural, normal and down to earth.

"You know, they don't seem to be any k***heads."

However, Shaun also comes face to face with Gillian McKeith on Tuesday, 13 years after the pair came to blows on the original format of the ITV programme.

Shaun was branded a "legend" by Phil (ITV)

In 2010, Shaun told hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly: "If Gillian was my wife, she would be in pieces in a plastic bag, deep in a hole in the back garden," following a string of arguments.

But during one task the pair were forced to endure each other's company while also in freezing water, with Shaun branding Gillian a "f***ing irritating woman."

The Scottish TV star responded: "You say nasty things all the time... your tone, everything, the way you speak to everyone."

Gillian appeared on the programme back in 2010 (ITV)

However, after leaving the jungle, Gillain revealed that the pair had a "love-hate" relationship, explaining: "Sometimes we would get on good but other times I was just frightened."

At the end of Monday's episode, a mystery box was brought into the jungle and out popped iconic campmate, Gillian, best remembered for fainting during a live trial.

As the rest of the campmates looked on in shock, Gillian remarked: "I couldn't let you do this without jungle Gill!"

In a sneak peek at Tuesday's episode, Shaun is heard saying: "F****g hell," after Gillian's arrival.

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I'm A Celebrity South Africa continues on ITV and ITVX on Tuesday at 9pm.

Mark Jefferies