THE official line-up has only just been confirmed, but fans are already convinced that one participating star will struggle on the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The long-running ITV show will return to the Australian wilderness with twelve new celebrities for its twenty-sixth consecutive series from November 16.
And with stars including former footballer Wayne Rooney, actress Joanne Page and singer Ricky Wilson all expected to make a big impact, one TV regular is giving fans pause for thought before he’s even set foot in camp.
Leigh Francis, known to millions as irreverent Celeb Juice host Keith Lemon, is widely tipped to be the show’s late arrival after fans noted his absence from recently released ITV shots of the participating cast.
But a chaotic 2023 guest appearance on World’s Most Dangerous Roads, during which Leigh and actor Will Mellor struggled to navigate treacherous mountain terrain in rural Albania, has cast doubt over his suitability for the show.
Commenting on Reddit, one fan wrote: “I suspect Leigh Francis is going to find this hard!
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“I watched him in that comedians drive dangerous roads programme and he was the opposite of what I expected – afraid of everything and only eats like two foods. I can’t fathom why he’s doing this. Must need the money.”
A second added: “I’m interested to see Leigh Francis as himself & not as Keith Lemon.
“Like, I’m not saying he needs to bring Keith back, but I do wonder how different this year’s I’m A Celeb would be if Leigh came in as Keith & not as himself.”
Tipped latecomer Leigh and the rest of the I’m A Celeb campmates could be in for a tough start, with a weather warning put in place and giant hailstones expected to batter the entire area.
ITV bosses are currently monitoring the camp, which is situated in rural Murwillumbah, New South Wales.
A statement from the Australian government read: “A thunderstorm likely, possibly severe with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding.”
Commenting on the weather warning, a source added: “ITV put everything into getting the camp ready for the celebrity arrivals.
“A storm with giant hailstones and flash flooding was not on the agenda but the team is prepared for everything.
“Producers are hoping that the rain clears before the celebrities enter camp or it could be a very soggy start to jungle life.”
A separate show source said: “The production team are the best in the business and are used to working in all weather conditions.
“There are contingencies in place for all weather scenarios.”