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 are rife that the cast for the 23rd season of the long-running reality show could include some huge names. As fans speculate, Dec has been seen taking his family out for a curry ahead of the start of rehearsals. Meanwhile, pal Ant McPartlin was pictured landing Down Under on Saturday evening and teased an ‘incredible cast’ this year. The pair are set to start rehearsing on-site with ‘guinea pig’ volunteers who will act as contestants.
Dec, 48, will co-present I’m A Celebrity with Ant McPartlin for the show’s 23rd edition, starting on Sunday 19th November at 9pm.
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, that saw disgraced MP Matt Hancock and Lioness Jill Scott go head to head for the jungle crown. Days before the series’ launch on November 19 at 9pm, the show’s first contestant has landed in Australia to prepare for his stint in the jungle.
Confirmed
So far one big name looks certain to be involved after touching down in Australia having flown in from Heathrow on Sunday morning (November 11). Now, we expect further arrivals to follow suit over the coming hours and days.
Nigel Farage
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.
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 MP 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.”
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Nella Rose
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.”
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…
Frankie Dettori
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
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 Crusierweight, 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.
Jamie Lynn Spears
Britney Spears’ sister looks set to arrive Down Under, with ITV bosses hopeful that she will dish the dirt on her older sister.
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 in to 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
The MasterChef star has reportedly signed up to take part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity after previously slamming the ITV reality show. 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 was 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
The singer who found fame as on quarter of British boyband JLS could soon be heading out to Australia. Marvin Humes, 38, 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.
A source revealed: “Marvin would be a brilliant signing.” They went on to add: “Not only is he known to fans of The X Factor and fans of JLS, but the audience for The Hit List and This Morning spans from kids right through older viewers. And with Rochelle’s backing, he’s got a ready-made fan base.”
The source continued to The Sun that bosses hope Marvin will make use of the famous jungle shower to showcase his ripped physique after remaining a “pin-up” over the course of his 15 years in the public eye. “He’ll have lots of showbiz stories to tell, too, from his 15 years in the limelight,” they added.
Nick Pickard
Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard is reportedly heading for the jungle in November. 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”.
“Tony from Hollyoaks – as Nick will always happily be known as – is an absolute soap legend and a huge signing for I’m A Celeb. Soap stars always do brilliantly on the show because they come with a loyal following and they don’t come more down-to-earth and likeable than Nick,” a source shared to The Sun of Nick potentially joining the show.
The insider added: “He would be fantastic and make great telly if he makes the final cut. Of course Hollyoaks was recently moved online by Channel 4 so it comes at a helpful time for the soap too, helping introduce that younger online audience to Nick via I’m A Celeb’s huge reach.”
Fred Sirieix
TV foodie Fred Sirieix, 51, is said to be preparing to chow down on some new dishes in Bushtucker Trials, with insiders claiming the First Dates maître d’ is in advanced talks with ITV about appearing on this year’s series of I’m a Celebrity. A source claimed to The Sun in September: “Show bosses hope he’ll be a hit with the ladies watching, which is part of the reason they’ve targeted him. Everyone’s really excited that they’re close to signing him up.”
Fred, who has appeared in TV roadtrip series alongside Gordon Ramsay and former I’m a Celebrity star Gino D’Acampo, has previously said he wouldn’t be up for a stint in the jungle. “I don’t think I’d do I’m a Celebrity. I wouldn’t be too keen on eating a camel’s anus or something like that,” the Channel 4 star said last year. “I know I eat frogs, I’m French, but at least those frogs are cooked!”
Josie Gibson
After a rumoured tense competition between I’m a Celebrity bosses and Strictly Come Dancing, it is claimed the This Morning star is set to sign a six-figure deal with the ITV show. Talks between the presenter’s reps and telly bosses are said to have been going on for months.
Big Brother winner Josie is up for a stint on either of the shows and a decision is said to be very close. “Josie is hugely popular with This Morning viewers and producers were determined to get her,” an ITV insider told the Sun. “She is seen as the perfect person for the jungle and will bring her fanbase with her.
“She’s incredibly down-to-earth and seems to strike a chord with people at home. Plus they’re confident Josie will bring the laughs to I’m A Celebrity, as she already does on This Morning, and is guaranteed to get on with most of the jungle campmates. For all those reasons they were hellbent on getting her – if she was lured by the glitter of Strictly they weren’t going to let her go without a fight.”
And, being as Josie wasn’t one of the 15 stars announced as part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up, her chances of appearing on I’m A Celebrity have increased hugely.
Danielle Harold
EastEnders star Danielle Harold has had a busy year scooping up awards for her portrayal of Lola Pearce in the BBC soap. She has since sparked rumours she could be heading into the I’m A Celeb jungle in the hopes of bringing home the title of Queen of the Jungle. It was claimed the actress “caught the eye” of ITV bosses thanks to her EastEnders role.
However, Danielle has seemingly debunked the rumours during an appearance on Loose Women in September. When asked if she’ll be heading into the jungle, she replied: “It is like all year round there is something. One minute I am in Strictly, then I am in that. I’ll probably be on Dancing on Ice next week! Calm down! There is always something, whatever the latest show is they always say your name.”
Host Ruth Langsford tried to get a definite answer from Danielle, asking her outright if she’s going into the jungle. The soap star started to responded with: “No. There are just rumours about me going somewhere and I love it! I sit at home and go ‘Ooh there and there’.”
Sam Thompson
Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson has been linked to the show. A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Sam is a great signing because he has a huge fan base and a funny, self-deprecating personality. It will be difficult if Zara is still on Strictly as she will be too busy to head out to the jungle to support him.
“While it might put a bit of pressure on their relationship, it’s a huge year for them.” Fans of Strictly will see some weight behind the rumours as Sam was noticeably missing from VT focusing on Zara on Saturday night.
Danny Cipriani
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
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
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’.”
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Alex Beresford
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
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.
Jade Thirlwall
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 posibility of becoming a campmate while her bandmates Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock enjoy 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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…”
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