Footballer Jimmy Bullard is set to stir things up on I’m A Celebrity All Stars as he joins the camp with Harry Redknapp, completing the full South Africa line-up
Jimmy will be on the All Star Show going in late alongside Harry Redknapp(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jimmy Bullard vowed to shake things up in the I’m A Celebrity All Star camp as a late entry with some pranks.
The former Premier League footballer, 47, will head into camp alongside Harry Redknapp, and both King Harry and King Jimmy are new monarchs who will pick their subjects from the celebrity campmates to form two teams: the Lions and the Rhinos.
On playing pranks, Jimmy said: “I’m A Celebrity is a very similar scenario to being in the changing room – and it brings the devil out in me! When I did the jungle in Australia, I loved having a laugh playing some pranks and messing around like kids.
“That’s what I loved most about it and I was always playing up! I’ve always done it in changing rooms too and so now this time around, I am sure it will naturally happen because I’m always going to look to have a laugh and wind people up!”
Jimmy hopes to do better than first appearance in Oz when he was first out in 2014 having gone onto the show as one of the favourites to win. He said: “My last time I was there I finished stone cold last because I came out first, so it’s flattering that I didn’t get forgotten. It’s nice to have another bash at it, but it was tough last time and I know the trials are going to be tough again!”
He added: “I was scared of lots of things and I still am fearful of snakes. Doing I’m A Celebrity… did not cure me of any of my phobias!” However his time in the Aussie jungle should at least help him a little bit for his return in South Africa. Speaking before he went onto the show, he added: “I feel a little bit more prepared because you understand what is coming but I have been watching it year after year, and the trials just seem to get tougher!
“I am still scared of snakes and spiders too and I am apprehensive about what is going to happen. You could be jumping out of a plane before you know it or getting chucked in a box full of snakes! But I signed up for this, so I am looking forward to getting started.”
According to reports in November after this series was filmed, viewers will see Jimmy clash with Adam Thomas during a row in camp. And Jimmy did admit it can be difficult living in camp with others,
Looking back on his Aussie experience, he explained: “I learnt that when you are in the camp, it can be difficult because you are with 11 other people you don’t really know.
“You don’t want to rub people up the wrong way. But I did have a lot of fun whilst I was there and it was amazing how bonds form. You get close to the other celebrities so quickly.”
And Jimmy is honest enough to admit that despite not being on the show for long first time around, it gave his career a boost. The show opened doors and gave him new opportunities after retiring from football.
He said: “It’s weird because ever since I did the programme, a lot of families have come up to tell me they watched it. In the past, it was always lads as I obviously used to play football. I don’t think I would have had some of the gigs I have had were it not for I’m A Celebrity… I co-presented Soccer AM for seven years and you do question yourself whether you would have had gigs like that if you hadn’t done the jungle.
“I’m always in front of the camera now with my golf YouTube programme. My life has definitely changed (for the better) post I’m A Celebrity…”
* I’m A Celebrity…South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.