THE first nine stars taking part in I’m A Celebrity…South Africa have been confirmed.
Ant and Dec revealed the exciting news during tonight’s Saturday Night Takeaway – and they promised “it’s bigger and wilder than we could have hoped for”.
(L-R) Shaun Ryder, Helen Flanagan, Phil Tufnell, Jordan Banjo, Carol Vorderman, Paul Burrell, Amir Khan, Janice Dickinson and Fatima Whitbread
The Celeb Report previously revealed there will be more celebrities taking part and it has now been confirmed they will enter the camp at different stages.
The celebrities survived the Australian jungle but South Africa is an even harder proposition which will push them to their limits and test them like never before.
The challenges are bigger and tougher and the environment harsher and more unforgiving.
Amir Khan, 36, Boxing Champion
Amir Khan has faced his fears once again
Amir will return just four years after his I’m A Celeb debut in 2017 – in which he became one of the best-paid contestants ever.
Fans will no doubt remember how the hardman was terrified by creepy crawlies and secretly scoffed strawberries behind the backs of his campmates with radio presenter Iain Lee, causing fury in camp.
Amir said: “[I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!] helped me overcome my phobia of spiders and snakes. It also made me tougher as a person and I’m determined this time not to be soft when it comes to the Trials!”
Jordan Banjo, 30, Diversity Dancer & Radio DJ
Jordan was a huge hit when he appeared in the past
Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo will be hoping to improve on his stint in 2016 which saw him the fourth star voted out.
Jordan said: “How many people get the chance to do it twice? A series with different campmates from over the years sounds pretty cool and my fellow Diversity dancers are excited to see me suffer again!”
Helen Flanagan, 32, Former Coronation Street star
Helen vowed to do more trials
Helen, who played Rosie Webster in Corrie, first entered the camp in 2012 when EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks won.
Helen said: “I am not saying I am going to go in and be a jungle warrior and be absolutely amazing because I will not. Yes I will be scared but I will have a go and I will be a lot better than last time!”
Carol Vorderman, 62, TV presenter
Carol still has found memories of the show
Former Countdown co-host Carol, was a huge hit on the 2016 series after a flirty friendship with comedian Joel Dommett.
Carol, a former Rear of the Year winner, came eighth, lasting 18 days in the Australian jungle with Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt bagging the crown.
Carol said: “Doing I’m A Celebrity changed me a lot and I can’t wait to take part in this new series. I loved everything about I’m A Celebrity [the first time round].” Adding “We’ve still got a WhatsApp group! [from 2016].”
Janice Dickinson, 68, supermodel
Janice caused a stir during her first appearance
Few fans could forget Janice’s time in Australia in 2007 when she caused a string of bust-ups with her unfiltered points of view about campmates.
She came second behind Christopher Biggins in the explosive series.
Janice said: “I’m coming back for more fun, more camaraderie and to see if I can get along with everyone.” Adding “You never know what’s going to jump up and bite your ass.”
Fatima Whitbread, 62, Olympic Athlete
Fatima loved her first experience
Fatima first starred on I’m A Celeb in 2011, and finished in an impressive third place.
In one of the most memorable – and gross – I’m a Celeb moment ever, a cockroach got stuck up her nose and had to be removed by Medic Bob.
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! appearance: 2011 (11th series)
Fatmina said: “I learnt a lot about myself in the Australian camp and I know there will be some life size characters and life size egos in South Africa too! But what a great experience it is going to be.”
Paul Burrell, 64, Former Royal Butler
The royal butler is back
Few can forget Princess Diana’s former butler’s understandable meltdown in 2004 as he gurned his way through the Bushtucker Trials, trying to grab meal tokens from inside holes filled with rats and bugs.
Paul, who was the runner-up, said: “I loved doing it the first time around and to be asked again is very special. It’s like coming into the final of the jungle Olympics. I had to eat kangaroo testicles in Australia and I am expecting everything to be bigger in South Africa.”
Phil Tufnell, 56, Ex-England Cricketer
The sports star didn’t hesitate do say yes for a second time
Phil nicknamed The Cat by his cricket pals, will return to the series following his victorious stint in 2003.
The Question of Sport star took home the coveted jungle crown, beating the likes of footballer John Fashanu and designer Linda Barker.
Phil said: “I am one of the lucky few to have gone in the jungle and experienced it all and that’s what appealed to me when they phoned up to ask me to take part again. I said yes immediately.”
Shaun Ryder, 60, Music Legend
Shaun went down in history during the trials
Shaun appeared on the show back in 2010 and lost out on first place to Stacey Solomon and is making his comeback despite claiming the outcome of the series is “rigged.”
Shaun said: “All I can remember about the Trials is eating a lot of penises, testicles and eyeballs!” Adding “I could have stayed another year in Australia. I loved living outside in the camp and I had a proper laugh with my fellow celebrities. I know going to South Africa will be a great adventure. I can’t wait to do it.”
