I’m A Celebrity 2021 lineup confirmed as show heads back to Wales’ Gwrych Castle
ITV has confirmed the ten stars who will brave the cold and rain as I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! returns to Wales for a second year.
The flagship series will be filmed at Gwrych Castle, near Abergele, again due to ongoing coronavirus travel restrictions preventing filming at its usual location in the Australian jungle.
The famous faces to grace our screens this year will include popstars, breakfast TV hosts, actors from our favourite soaps - and even a Strictly judge.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will return as co-hosts when the show starts on November 21 at 9pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
Viewers will be able to vote for who they want to compete in the first trial using the programme’s app, with the vote closing at 8pm on Tuesday.
Take a look at the full line-up below.
Louise Minchin
Louise Minchin is entering the castle after stepping down as a presenter on BBC Breakfast in September, following nearly 20 years in the role.
Speaking about having to keep the secret, Minchin said: “I didn’t tell Dan Walker I was doing I’m A Celebrity before coming to Wales but I don’t think he will be surprised.
“He knows me well and I think he will be both excited and nervous for me. I have been voting for him on Strictly so fingers crossed he will vote for me a lot.”
Richard Madeley
Fellow presenter Richard Madeley, best-known for hosting This Morning alongside wife Judy Finnigan, said he had finally accepted ITV’s offer to appear on the show after many years of saying no.
The 65-year-old said: “Up until now, I’ve always been perfectly happy watching as a viewer but, recently, I realised I’m A Celebrity is no longer just a TV programme.
“It’s become part of the fabric of British life and part of the countdown to Christmas.
“It suddenly hit me that everyone talks about it the next day and I suddenly wondered what it would be like to be there rather than watching. I realised the time had come to experience it.”
Matty Lee
After winning Gold with Tom Daley in the 10 metres synchronised diving at the Tokyo Olympics this summer, Matty Lee admits it is the ‘cherry on the cake’ to be taking part in his favourite TV show.
And the 23-year-old reveals his diving partner, Tom, has been giving him plenty of tips on how to survive in the Welsh Castle.
Matty said: “Nothing ever prepares you for what life will be like after you do well in the Olympics.
"I was and still am mainly in shock that I am doing I’m A Celebrity. My two childhood dreams were to win an Olympic medal and take part in my favourite TV series. And now I am doing both this year!"
Dame Arlene Phillips
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips becomes the show’s oldest contestant at 78.
“I still can’t believe I am doing it, either, but I love and admire everybody who has done the show.
"I admire their bravery and I have spoken to so many people who have done it.”
DJ Snoochie Shy
Radio 1Xtra presenter Snoochie Shy is the next person on the line-up this year.
The 29-year-old - real name Cheyenne Davide - is a DJ, model and presenter from London.
She said: “My mum keeps laughing, as she knows I am such a scaredy cat! Bugs and I are not friends, I don’t like heights and I am claustrophobic.”
Naughty Boy
Shahid Khan, whose stage name is Naughty Boy, is a DJ, music producer, songwriter and musician.
He has worked with a host of huge names, including Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Alesha Dixon, Beyoncé and more.
He said: “I am excited about going on I’m A Celebrity now. I want people to know the real me. I am not a celebrity at all.
"My music is the celebrity and now is the chance for me to show people what I am really like.”
David Ginola
Football legend David Ginola admits he always ‘sets out to win’ anything he does as he eyes up the ‘King of the Castle’ crown and reunites with some very special fans of his old club, Newcastle United – Ant and Dec.
And the former Newcastle and Spurs player, who retired from playing in 2002, admits he is excited to catch up again with the programme’s famous presenters in the Castle after meeting them at games he played in the past for their favourite football team.
David adds: “I know the Geordies! I’ve met Ant and Dec before and I know they are big massive fans of Newcastle United. When you play for the club (like I did), all of the fans are amazing and very faithful. Newcastle is very lucky to have fans like them!"
Kadeena Cox
She is a four time Paralympic gold champion and one of the British stars of this year’s Tokyo games but Kadeena Cox readily admits going on I’m A Celebrity will be mentally tougher than anything she has ever done before.
From rats and spiders to snakes, not to mention a fear of heights, the 30-year-old says she is hoping her experience as a world class athlete will help to overcome some of the famous show Trials and challenges.
“Going on I’m A Celebrity is something so different for me and it’s completely out of my comfort zone”, Kadeena said.
Danny Miller
Emmerdale star Danny Miller admits he agonised over whether to take part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity because it meant leaving his new baby behind.
Danny, who only recently became a father for the first time, reveals he spent a long time discussing the offer to take part with his fiancée, Steph, before finally deciding he couldn’t turn down an opportunity of a lifetime.
The actor has played Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle on and off for 13 years.
Frankie Bridge
Popstar and presenter Frankie has always admitted doing I’m A Celebrity would be terrifying but now she is determined to conquer her fears by taking part.
The ex-Saturdays singer said: “I’m scared of most things, but I want to push myself and show a side people have not seen before”.
And the mum of two reckons the eating Trials are going to be very tough given she even has a phobia of tomato ketchup.
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