The days are rapidly dwindling before we see who will be among the campers in I’m A Celebrity 2020 when it kicks off on Sunday 15th November and, in a break with tradition, all of the 12 campers will be revealed at once, on Sunday’s A Jungle Story special on ITV.
Usually the identity of the series’ celebrities are drip-fed via social media and in the press, but the new series is a very different beast.
While the long-running reality show is usually filmed in Australia, the I’m A Celebrity filming location has moved this year, relocating to Abergele’s Gwrych Castle in light of the coronavirus pandemic for what could be the ITV staple’s most-watched year yet.
The broadcaster has not yet confirmed which celebs are set to take part in the show’s very first UK-based series, however the rumours are rife around which VIPs are venturing into the castle after various big names were spotted heading into an alleged ‘secret’ photoshoot for the show.
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard, who’d recently spoken about a possible I’m A Celebrity stint, was among those papped, as well as broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, presenter Vernon Kay and EastEnder’s Jessica Plummer.
The celebrities are reportedly in quarantine for the fortnight before taking part on the show, which is expected to go ahead despite the Welsh lockdown which ends on Monday 9th November.
As we wait for official news of the celebrity line-up, here’s a list of those who are rumoured to be appearing in I’m A Celebrity this year.
Jordan North
The Radio 1 DJ Jordan North is rumoured to be joining his former Radio 5Live boss, Victoria Derbyshire, in the castle.
North is nicknamed the “supply teacher” at the BBC radio station and is considered to be a likeable, down-to-earth Lancashire lad with a strong line in self-deprecating humour which has helped his podcast, Help I Sexted My Boss, become a hit.
North is destined to be one of the more comical contestants in this year’s I’m a Celebrity line-up, although we wonder how long the good humour will hold up in the cold, spartan conditions expected in this year’s series.
North’s place in the line-up was reportedly confirmed by The Sun.
North then worked on the drive-time show at Rock FM in Lancashire where he was twice nominated for Radio Presenter of The Year at the Commercial Arqiva Radio Awards (2015 and 2016), which led to freelance presenting at Radio 1.
Victoria Derbyshire
Broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire has been rumoured to be taking part in I’m A Celeb’s 2020 series.
The former host of the Victoria Derbyshire Show was recently spotted by The Sun heading into a rumoured photoshoot for the upcoming series alongside other celebs expected to take part.
“Victoria is always game for a challenge so when she was approached for I’m A Celebrity she jumped at the chance,” an insider told the publication. “When the show moved to Wales and the opportunity came up, she didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth so she said yes straight away.”
Ruthie Henshall
West End legend Ruthie Henshall is another celebrity who’s been linked to the long-running ITV show, after being spotted by The Sun at a rumoured photoshoot for the 2020 series.
The Olivier Award-winning actress, who’s starred in Cats, Chicago and Billy Elliot the Musical, dated Prince Edward in the early 90’s.
“Ruthie is a particularly exciting signing for I’m A Celebrity as viewers will want to see if she divulges any gossip on her relationship with Prince Edward,” an insider told The Sun. “They’ll be hoping she lets slip some juicy information on her posh ex during cosy, intimate chats round the campfire.”
Mo Farah
Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah has signed up for I’m A Celeb’s 2020 series, according to The Sun.
The long-distance runner, who won gold at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, was rumoured to be isolating last week ahead of his appearance on the show and is apparently a big fan of the show.
“It’s his first foray into reality TV so he’s a bit nervous about the challenges and will miss his family,” a TV insider told The Sun. “But he thinks it’ll be an amazing experience and the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a massive coup for producers to bag Mo for the series. Everyone’s really excited about the signing and think he’ll be a hit with viewers.”
Hollie Arnold
Paralympian Hollie Arnold is another star who’s rumoured to be taking part on I’m A Celebrity 2020.
The 2016 gold medallist was spotted heading into a ‘secret’ photoshoot by The Sun ahead of the upcoming series alongside Victoria Derbyshire, Vernon Kay and AJ Pritchard.
If confirmed as a 2020 contestant, Arnold would be the first Paralympic athlete to appear on I’m A Celebrity.
Christine Quinn
The Selling Sunset star has been tipped to appear on the ITV show, with the bookies slashing the odds for her to enter the castle.
Russell Watson
Musician Russell Watson wouldn’t say no to signing up for I’m A Celebrity. During an interview on Steph’s Packed Lunch, the performer said it’d be “lovely”.
When asked by the show’s host Steph McGovern if he was entering the castle, he said: ““It’s funny, because I’ve been linked with so many things over the last 20 years, if we go back to 2002 believe it or not, I was linked to being the next James Bond and all I was doing was a TV show to celebrate the music of the James Bond movies, so that wasn’t true. Recently everyone was writing to me on twitter about The Masked Singer because everyone thought I was the hedgehog for some reason…”
Steph decided to question him further, saying: “Coming back to the question, there are rumours that you’re going to get paid £100k for doing it, that’s alright isn’t it for a few days in a castle?”
To which he responded: “Yeah it would be lovely! Not been paid for doing anything else this year!…You’re pushing this aren’t you Steph.”
We wouldn’t say no either to that pay cheque!
Jessica Plummer
EastEnders star Jessica Plummer has been rumoured as a possible contestant on this year’s series, not long after she departed the soap.
As reported by The Sun, a source said: “Soap stars always do well in the show, just look at Jessica’s Enders’ predecessor Jacqueline Jossa last year. Bosses are delighted to be able to convince her to take part.
“It’s a great move for both parties as she’s just left the soap and this is a great opportunity for her personality to be shown to millions.”
The actress played Chantelle Atkins from March 2019 until she was killed off in September this year. Plummer is also a former member of the girl group Neon Jungle, who achieved a top 10 album in 2014.
Keith Duffy
Former Boyzone member Keith Duffy is one name who has been linked with a possible appearance on this year’s series.
According to The Sun, a source said, “Keith has had Zoom meetings with I’m A Celebrity’s booker.
“Since the location moved from Australia to North Wales it’s been a little more tricky to get people on board but the team are confident they sold it well. Keith would make for a brilliant campmate with his celebrity tales and his can-do attitude.”
The singer, who has also won acclaim for his acting roles including a stint on Coronation Street, has previously appeared on reality series including Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 and Splash! in 2014.
Tommy Fury
Tyson Fury’s younger brother, Tommy, has been tipped to appear on I’m A Celebrity.
The reality star, who is famous for appearing on ITV’s Love Island in 2019, has been given odds of 2-5 by Betway to join the show.
Betway’s Chad Yeomans told Mirror online: “Love Island’s Tommy Fury is odds-on at 2/5 to be battling his way through bushtucker trials on this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”
Vernon Kay
Apparently Vernon Kay has been approached a couple of times to take part, but according to The Mirror, 2020 is the year they’ve sealed the deal on him – and a hefty deal that is, at a rumoured £250,000. A source told the publication: “Everyone’s so pleased to have Vernon on board, he’s a lovely guy, full of down-to-earth northern charm and perfect for the show.”
He was also seen arriving at a secret photoshoot for the show in North West London by The Sun, alongside Strictly’s AJ Pritchard and presenter Victoria Derbyshire.
The Vivienne
She may have stormed to victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, but it seems The Vivienne has another crown in her sights: the jungle crown. She spoke to Lorraine Kelly in July and told her I’m A Celebrity is in her sights… “Do you know what, I’ve never even thought about it really but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be. I’m petrified of spiders but get me to that jungle, I’d do it! What a great life opportunity that I’m never going to get again… I’m all for that!” We think The Vivienne would be amazing on I’m A Celebrity… listen up ITV!
Paul Merson
All eyes are on the former Arsenal midfielder at the moment who could be about to get a ticket in the I’m A Celebrity 2020 series. According to The Sun, Merson is “the jewel in ITV’s crown” and think he could be the key to getting plenty of viewers to the new instalment from the jungle.
A TV source told them: “Paul is really keen to relaunch his TV career and think this is the best way to do it after he’s seen what it has done for his mate Harry Redknapp.” They add it needs to be “worth his while” in terms of money, so if the price is right, we could see another England star in the camp fairly soon.
Carole Baskin
Calling all cool cats and tigers, because Joe Exotic’s nemesis Carole Baskin is the latest celeb to be linked to I’m A Celebrity…
According to sources, Carole has been offered huge money to go Down Under at the end of the year after more than 64 million households across the world watched her on Netflix’s Tiger King.
We know one person who won’t be too pleased to see more of The Big Cat Rescue owner on screen, but we’re totally here for it!
Jason Manford
Another person who would like to see Carole on the show is comedian Jason Manford.
During an appearance on Absolute Radio, the 39-year-old admitted he’d sign up for the show if it meant having Carole as his campmate.
“If Carole Baskin ends up in the jungle, I might sign up!” he said.
Conor McGregor
Sounds like the MMA fighter could be swapping the ring for this year’s castle.
Conor – who leaves fighting with a record of 22 wins and four losses – recently posted an emotional goodbye to the sport on his Twitter account.
And now Ladbroke is tipping him 8/1 to take part in the show later this year.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “McGregor would be a box office signing if ITV bosses can afford him and he swaps the octagon for the jungle.”
Eric Cantona
The 53-year-old is best known for playing for Manchester United, but it sounds like he could be taking on the I’m A Celebrity… challenge this year instead.
The show’s bosses have reportedly signed up the football legend for this year’s series.
According to The Sun, the show’s big boss Richard Cowles said: “I just like the idea of Eric Cantona talking in French and coming up with really profound things. That would be really good.”
Beverley Callard
She’s been entertaining ITV viewers as Corrie’s Liz McDonald for decades now, so it’s no surprise that I’m A Celeb bosses are keen to have Beverley on the show. And the popular actress has more free time in her diary now, after recently leaving the soap.
Rumour has it, she has already been in ‘virtual talks’ to appear on this year’s I’m a Celeb, and some sources claim she has already signed on the dotted line.
A source told The Mirror: “Everyone was thrilled when Bev said yes, she is such a well-loved ITV face.”
RadioTimes.com has contacted ITV about the rumour, but a representative declined to comment.
The Coronation Street actress was recently spotted at a ‘secret’ photoshoot for the upcoming series by The Sun, fuelling rumours even further.
John Barnes
Most celebs are pretty coy when asked if they would sign up for a stint on the show, but ex-England footballer John Barnes is happy to admit he is keen to take part.
“I’ve done a few shows – I’ve been on Family Fortunes and The Brightest Family,” he told RadioTimes.com. “I did Strictly Come Dancing 10 years ago, but Dancing on Ice with my age and the injuries I’ve had, I don’t think so. The Jungle would be good – I could lose some weight, sit around and do nothing!”
John also took part in ITV hit reality show Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, in which former King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp tried to get former footballers back into shape.
As well as boasting an impressive reality TV CV, John is well known for being outspoken, so would surely be a great signing for the show. He was rumoured for the 2019 series, could this be the year he finally makes it out to Australia?
Matt Baker
Signing one of the BBC’s best-loved presenters would be a real coup for I’m A Celeb, but his name is strongly linked to this year’s series.
It would certainly be fun to see how the mild-mannered Countryfile presenter coped with the experience, and now that Matt has left The One Show he will be looking for new projects. He’s already done Strictly of course, coming second to Kara Tointon in 2010.
The most intriguing part of this rumour, is that Matt has admitted he wouldn’t rule out taking part in the show. Speaking to Hello! magazine he said, “I haven’t had any conversations yet but I am reluctant to say no to anything without having a good think about it.”
Music to the I’m A Celeb booker’s ears, you would think…
Joe Sugg
TV producers are always trying to attract younger viewers to their shows, and influencer Joe would bring a huge teen audience with him, just like he did during his time on Strictly. Once the series began he then proved popular with fans across the board, and that universal appeal would make him a dream signing for I’m a Celeb.
While Joe has been busy dancing and planning a tour with girlfriend and Strictly partner Dianne Buswell, he is still waiting for another big TV project to come his way. I’m A Celeb could be it.
But Joe has previously said he’s unlikely to sign up for the show because he’s worried about losing too much weight. “I don’t think I’d survive in the jungle, because they live on rice and beans. I’m so slim and I find it hard to put on weight, so I don’t think I’d last very long in the jungle. I think I’d waste away.”
Charles Ingram
ITV’s recent three-part drama Quiz got us all talking about the Who Wants to be a Millionaire coughing scandal once again. The popularity of the series, and the fact that the Ingrams are back in the spotlight, has sparked rumours that the Major will be offered a place in the I’m A Celeb camp.
The Ingrams have always maintained that they are innocent, and did not cheat in that fateful episode. They were also subject to intense media scrutiny and some nastiness from the public at the time. With the drama leaving us all unsure what really happened, a stint in the jungle could be a welcome chance for Charles to clear his name and change his public image.
The bookies certainly expect him to sign up: at the end of April Ladbrokes gave short odds of just 3/1 that he would take part in the show, calling him ‘the A1 choice for the next series.’
AJ Pritchard
Former Strictly pro AJ pulled out of this year’s series at the eleventh hour, having already been announced for the 2020 show. He said he wanted to concentrate on other opportunities, including presenting jobs with his brother, Love Island star Curtis.
A visit to the I’m A Celebrity… castle would certainly help him reach a new audience and let people see the man behind the moves.
AJ admits that, if he were to sign up to the I’m A Celeb, he would be rubbish at the Bush Tucker trials. Speaking on Channel 4’s The Steph Show, he said, “Well, let me put it like this, I’ve just cleaned out the loft as my mum has a list of jobs for us to do. The amount of spiders up there, I was screaming my head off. So, if anything like that did happen, it would be hilarious – that’s for sure!”
AJ would join a long list of former Strictly dancers who have appeared on I’m A Celeb, including Ola Jordan, James Jordan, Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone.
Ronnie O’ Sullivan
I’m A Celeb always features one or two sporting legends in the line-up and Ronnie O’ Sullivan is appearing on a lot of rumour lists this year.
The snooker pro has enjoyed huge success but has also made headlines away from the table. He would make a great campmate, but says he’s not ready to sign up yet.
Speaking in 2018, Ronnie said he won’t go on the show while he still has the opportunity to take more snooker titles. “I was invited onto I’m A Celeb this year but I decided to put it on the back-burner. I’m sure in time I’ll give it a go. I would really like to do it but not when you think you can still win tournaments. It’s about snooker first.”
Nigel Farage
The politician could be set to go into the castle this year.
The Brexit Party leader has turned down offers before in order to focus on Brexit, with one deal reportedly worth £1 million, but with it now complete, maybe 2020 could be the year.
Quizzed on ITV’s This Morning recently, he said: “Well, you never know!… I don’t know. The jungle have been after me a couple of times, they have.”
Were he to enter the jungle, Farage said he had no doubts that he would end up facing every bushtucker trial.
“I’d be doing every bloomin’ trial there is. Because the problem with having an opinion is, whilst some people love you, a lot don’t,” he laughed.
Now that it’s on home turf, it might not be so bad!
Lucy Fallon
The I’m A Celebrity line-up tends to include some of our fave soap stars.
Last year, EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa won, and in previous years we’ve had Corrie’s Jennie McAlpine – who plays Fizz – and Hollyoaks’ Jorgie Porter.
So it’s likely we’ll be seeing some more on this year’s show – and it could be a good time for Lucy, given the fact that she recently left the cobbles.
“Lucy is bubbly, funny, down-to-earth and game for a challenge, so she is a great fit for I’m A Celebrity,” a source revealed last year.
However, she turned it down as she worked on preparing her exit from the ITV soap.
But, with it now over could Lucy have more time on her hands?
Jasmine Armfield
Another soap star who could make an appearance in the castle, is EastEnders’ Jasmine Armfield.
Like Lucy, the 21-year-old recently left the BBC One soap, so it’d be a great time for her to sign up.
Plus, she could give 2019 winner Jacqueline Jossa a call for some tips!
Phillip Schofield
He’s been rumoured to appear on the show before, but could 2020 be the year the This Morning host finally takes the plunge and enter the castle?
There’s no denying Phillip would make great TV on the series, after admitting that he wouldn’t be able to deal with the sound of a metal spoon on the metal bowls contestants have to eat out of on the show.
We guess we’ll just have to wait and see if he signs on the dotted line…
Susanna Reid
The Good Morning host has hinted at appearing on the show, after her fellow presenter Kate Garraway made her way into The Jungle last year.
She was keen to try on Kate’s camp hate during an episode of the breakfast show, and Kate joked that it could be her next, to which she joked: “No, I would get too hangry!”
Piers Morgan
If not Susanna, it’s likely Piers himself could be off to the castle location this year.
Despite previously saying he wouldn’t, the Good Morning Britain presenter has admitted he’d do the show for the right money.
Last year, The Sun Online told how he demanded a whopping £5million on the show.
Richard Madeley
Having reportedly turned down I’m a Celebrity before taking part in dystopian social-media reality show The Circle, Madeley has now seemingly had a change of heart before the show.
“The reason I’ve said no is not because I don’t think I’d be up to it or anything like that, it’s just it’s a month – it’s a good month out of your life,” he told RadioTimes.com.
“When I did the Circle I was only out of circulation for a total of 7 or 8 days. And that was trying enough to be honest because, like most people, I’m quite busy and I’ve got a lot going on.
“So if they ask me next year, I will think about it seriously, but I’d really have to have a look at my diary really and see how it would impact on what I do because I’m a freelancer. I’d have to think about it carefully and see if I could make room for it.”
Jeremy Clarkson
The Grand Tour presenter appears keen to head Down Under and chow down on bull testicles and clean out the jungle camp dunny for £1000,000.
“We all say no now because we’ve all got jobs,” he said on The Jonathan Ross Show. “If you’re down the line and somebody said, ‘Here’s a hundred thousand pounds to go and eat some maggots,’ count me in!
“Yes, I’d go and do it… When we’re old and in the way, you can’t say. Never say never to that!”
Ant and Dec return with an I’m a Celebrity special, A Jungle Story, on Sunday 8th November, after which the 12 celebrities will be revealed.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! premiere on ITV on Sunday 15th November.
If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide.
from Radio Times https://ift.tt/32fqAvS
