Harley Moon Kemp has revealed that she never receives an invite to the pub from her brother Roman as they made their debut together on Celebrity Race Across The World
Harley Moon Kemp makes heartbreaking complaint to Roman about their relationship(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert)
Harley Moon Kemp has revealed that she never receives an invite to the pub from her brother, Roman. The photographer,36, who is the daughter of TV legend Martin Kemp and pop singer Shirlie Kemp, has stayed largely out of the spotlight, whilst her sibling, 32, has carved out a successful career as a radio host, One Show presenter and general television personality.
In their introduction, Roman admitted: We’ve got some slightly different traits. Harley was always the one going out, getting in trouble; I was more boring!”
Harley Moon responded: “Roman is going to be practical; and the planning and the budgeting,” as he replied: “You’re in charge of cups and ice.”
It was then that she explained: “We’ve got that conventional family thing going on when you call each other when you need stuff,” before Roman replied: “I don’t know what it’s like to hang out with Harleymoon.”
Implying that was his fault, Harley Moon hit back: “You never invite me to the pub,” before the former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star clarified: “Because I never go!”
Just months before taking on Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 with his older sister, which will see the sibling duo competing with other stars as they race 5,900km across Central America on just £30 each a day, Loose Men star Roma opened up about the struggle he remembers most vividly from his childhood.
In a conversation with singer Tom Grennan on their You About? podcast, Roman shared memories of him and Harley Moon featuring in national magazines alongside their famous parents during a period when finances were tight for the family.
My parents had no money at the time because my dad had all these operations and s*** for his brain, so, like, they were trying to get more money,” Roman explained to podcast co-host Tom. He went on to admit that even though they had appeared in magazines as a family, Martin and Shirlie were still anxious about their children being snapped by paparazzi on holiday.
Roman continued: “But then, even up to when I was maybe 13, if we’d gone on holiday, we were never allowed to go to the beach because when we went on the beach, my mum and dad would always be like, ‘there it is’ and you’d see a boat come past, quite far out, and then, like, stop, and there would just be a long lens camera just taking pictures of kids on beaches.”
Roman heartbreakingly revealed his mum would often be left in tears after seeing pictures the paparazzi had taken of them appearing in the press. He shared: “It’s mad in that sense, you see it less and less now, like those old celebrity pictures on the beach, you see that a lot less now.
“But at the time, my whole life, me growing up, was my mum crying because they’re taking horrendous pictures and they’d only use the worst picture.” Reflecting on a specific traumatic moment following a holiday, Roman said Shirlie “cried for, like, five days” when photos of the family on a banana boat were published in the press.
Ahead of Celebrity Race Across the World airing on Thursday night, Harleymoon explained she was previously given the chance to go on the BBC show with her mum, but Shirlie had concerns, so the pair missed out.
Harleymoon told the Radio Times: “My mum was asked to be in the first Celebrity Race Across the World and was going to take me, but thought it sounded too hard. I was glad to have another chance to go.”
Sharing his own motivations to sign up to the series, Roman, who has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, said: “I came off all medication [antidepressants] over a year ago and the race was a good test for my anxiety.”
A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has said they want to return to the BBC show
Anita Rani says she was “robbed” on Strictly(Image:
BBC
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Anita Rani, the Countryfile star and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has confessed she’ll “never get over” her time on the dance show. The 48 year old telly favourite took part in the BBC competition a decade ago, narrowly missing out on the final by just two weeks.
She was partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko during her stint on the show, which saw The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and his partner Aliona Vilani take home the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Soap stars Georgia May Foote of Coronation Street and EastEnders‘ Kellie Bright were the runners-up that year. However, Anita is still convinced she was “robbed” of a place in the final alongside Aliona.
In a chat with The Sun’s TV Magazine, she revealed: “I wish I could do it again – I think they should bring back ‘the robbed’! I’ll never get over it, I should have got to the final.”
During the semi-final, Anita found herself in the dreaded dance-off against BBC presenter Katie Derham. Despite giving it her all, it was Katie and her partner Anton Du Beke who progressed to the grand finale, reports Wales Online.
Anita confessed that she used to turn down reality shows like Strictly, but has recently decided to say “yes” if the “offer arise”. Since then, she’s appeared on popular programmes such as Celebrity Gogglebox, The Chase, and Blankety Blank.
She even hinted that she’d consider joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors if the BBC decides to commission a second series. Meanwhile, Anita and her dad Bal are gearing up for their appearance on Celebrity Race Across the World.
She added: “I used to say no to other reality shows, but now I’m like: ‘If an offer arises, why not?’ The Traitors, I’m A Celeb… But I’ll tell you what me and Dad want to do next – Antiques Road Trip. Let’s put that out there!”.
Before taking part in the travel programme, Anita confessed she wanted her father to enjoy “an adventure”.
She told the BBC: “We get on, he makes me laugh and if I ever want help in making a decision, dad’s the person I call.
“Also, I want dad to have the experience. It’s about my dad having an adventure – he’s never had one before. I think we’re competitive, but I think we’re just really keen to have an amazing experience and give it our best shot.”
The Woman’s Hour presenter reveals she’s currently in a “new era” following the “confirmation” of her fresh romance with partner Alex Lavery.
This comes two years following her separation from spouse Bhupi Rehal. The former pair had been wed for 14 years before they ended their marriage.
Following their break-up, she revealed to Love Sunday Magazine: “‘Life is good, I’m in a good place. I’m focusing on myself and my own wants.
“It’s nice to be able to think about the second phase of my life. I’ve been calling it Chapter Two.”
The household name should prove a hit with ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here viewers after his many decades in the public eye and hugely successful career
10:30, 30 Oct 2025Updated 10:30, 30 Oct 2025
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here is back on ITV next month and the line-up is still being finalised(Image: PR)
A huge TV and pop icon from the ’80s is in ‘advanced talks’ to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Martin Kemp is poised to become the first star to join I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here as the second member of a family to have the jungle experience. The Spandau Ballet star is in “advanced talks” to join the hit ITV show when it launches next month.
And he’ll be following in the footsteps of his radio presenter son, Roman, who took part back in 2019. One insider said: “Martin is a household name having been top of the hit parade with Spandau Ballet in the 80s and then in EastEnders in the early 2000s – he’s a great signing and everyone is very excited at the prospect of getting him Down Under.”
One person who’ll be particularly thrilled is Roman himself, 32, who told the Mirror a couple of years ago that he’d be “very up” for his famous dad to take part.
When Roman did it, he lasted the full 22 days and finished in third place, behind Corrie star Andy Whyment and winner Jacqueline Jossa.
But along the way he tackled some pretty tricky Bushtucker Trials – for which he held his dad partially responsible after he urged the public to nominate his son.
“Listen, I would do anything to see my dad eat llama anus,” Roman told the Mirror in 2022. “I’ll tell you why, because when I got nominated the first time it was the eating trial,” he recalled. “When you’re in there, you get so paranoid about why people are voting for you, because you’re like ‘am I coming across as a d*** and people want to see me suffer’?
“When I got out I was looking through some of the headlines, and it turns out the only reason I got voted to do that trial at the beginning was because my dad tweeted: ‘Let’s get my son to eat kangaroo anus’. So, my God, I’m very up for him going in.”
Once Martin arrives in the jungle, there will be a Kemp TV takeover in Britain with him on ITV alongside hosts Ant and Dec and his kids Roman and elder sister Harley Moon competing on BBC1’s Race Across the World from next week.
And Martin, who is a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox with Roman, will also be following his old bandmate Tony Hadley, who competed on the show in 2015, finishing in sixth place.
The singer of hits including True, Gold and To Cut a Long Story Short, afterwards described his jungle experience as “one of the best things I’ve ever done” despite his endless conflict with fellow contestant Lady Colin Campbell, who took an instant dislike to him.
Martin, 64, married to former Wham backing singer Shirley Holliman, is unlikely to ask Hadley for tips, after the rest of the Spandau members fell out with the lead singer when he quit the band in 2017.
Hadley told the Mirror earlier this year that he and Martin’s brother Gary – the band’s songwriter – were unlikely to work together again. “I haven’t spoken to him in 10 years. I don’t have anything to do with the Spandau thing at all,” he said.
This came after Gary claimed, in 2021, that he and Tony had never been mates “even at school”. But Martin has always remained hopeful about the possibility of a reunion, saying a few years ago: “It’s something I would love to do and I know Gary would love to do it. It’s very difficult to get five adults to say ‘yes’ at the same time. Tony at the moment doesn’t want to do it and I understand his reasons for wanting to be a solo singer.”
I’m a Celebrity is expected to start on ITV on November 16 with other camp-mates likely to include Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley and ex- EastEnder Shona McGarty plus radio host Nick Ferrari, comedian Ruby Wax, model Kelly Brook and presenter Vogue Williams.
A show spokesman said the official announcement would come soon, adding: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity are speculation.”
Sport and reality show fans have different reasons to take not of the rumoured line up for I’m A Celebrity…. Get Me Out Of Here! 2025 as a major sporting event may be affected by plans
22:56, 26 Oct 2025Updated 22:56, 26 Oct 2025
Conor Benn is tipped to take part in I’m A Celeb 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Boxing star Conor Benn is reportedly being lined up to star in the upcoming season of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! despite having fights planned incredibly close to the expected air date.
Long-time fans of I’m A Celeb will be used to watching stars parachute into the Australian jungle every November. This year will see the 25th season of the long-running show air on ITV – and an early November start date is anticipated.
One of the names linked to the upcoming series is 29-year-old boxer Conor, who is the son of former two-division world champion boxer Nigel Benn. Fans might be surprised to see his name tied to the series, as he is due to fight Chris Eubank Jr on November 15 for a hotly anticipated rematch.
A source told The Sun: “The logistics are a challenge given how close the match is to the start of the jungle, but ITV and Conor are keen to make this happen if they can.” The Mirror has approached representatives of Conor and I’m A Celebrity for comment.
A string of other stars have been tipped to appear in the new season of the show, with EastEnders star Shona McGarty, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, and comedian Ruby Wax among those thought to have signed up for gruelling tasks and infamous trials.
I’m A Celeb fans should have even more jungle action to watch in the coming months as a second season of the All Stars version has reportedly wrapped. Filmed in South Africa, the spin-off show sees past contestants return to take part in more tasks.
Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp, Scarlett Moffatt, and Sir Mo Farah are among the names attached to the upcoming second season. The format of the show has disappointed fans, however, as it airs as a pre-recorded show.
This deprives viewers of the ability to vote for those they want to see take part in trials – and also to vote for a winner. The first All Stars season aired in April 2023 – six months after the filming process ended.
Former Hear’Say singer & presenter Myleene Klass was crowned the winner of the show, triumphing over second-place star Jordan Banjo and third-place star Fatima Whitbread.
ITV confirmed the show would return last month, with host Ant McPartlin saying in a statement: “The campmates really brought their A-game to the first series, so we can’t wait to be back for more trials, challenges and surprises amongst the beautiful South African landscape.”
Co-host Declan Donnelly added: “Having a live final is an exciting addition to the new series with the viewers choosing their IAC Legend and we’ve heard some of the new trials are truly epic, even by I’m A Celeb… standards!”
Meanwhile, Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning at ITV, said: “We were blown away by the love for the first series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. It was a true celebration of the show’s history, and viewers loved seeing their favourite campmates return to their screens. We can’t wait to do it all again next year with a whole new cohort, and have the audience crown the winner during a live final for the first time.”
And Tom Gould, Director of Entertainment & Formats, Lifted Entertainment, added: “We’re very excited to have some more of the most memorable campmates from previous series returning to take on terrifying trials and face challenging twists and difficult decisions, in the tougher setting of South Africa.
“It will test them to their limits, and with a live final, this time viewers will get to decide who truly deserves the title of I’m A Celebrity Legend”.
Former England footballer Alex Scott has reportedly been lined up by ITV bosses to star in this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and is said to be in ‘advanced talks’
23:00, 24 Oct 2025Updated 23:00, 24 Oct 2025
Alex Scott is reportedly heading to the jungle for this year’s I’m A Celebrity(Image: Getty Images)
A former England football star turned TV presenter is reportedly in “advanced talks” with ITV bosses to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
Alex Scott, a former Lioness, who has been in a relationship with singer Jess Glynne since 2023, looks set to fly out to Australia after impressing ITV bosses.
According to reports, Alex is keen to show the British public a different side to her personality as they only see her in a professional manner.
A source recently revealed to The Sun: “Alex loves pushing herself out of her comfort zone and where better to do it than the jungle? The public know her as a sportswoman and a serious broadcaster so she thinks she can show people a side to her that they’ve never seen before. “
They added: “Alex is game for anything and is a tough cookie so she’s ready for anything that gets thrown at her — literally.”
Alex recently caused a stir after it emerged that she was considering leaving BBC’s Football Focus, which she joined in 2021, after she was blamed for a drop in viewing figures after replacing Dan Walker.
Another source said: “Alex felt deeply hurt by the unfair criticism, she felt like she had been thrown under the bus. The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures.”
However, ITV refuse to conform reports. A show spokesman told the Mirror: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here are just speculation.”
Other names thrown into the mix include actresses Shona McGarty and Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Vogue Williams, rapper Aitch, YouTube star Morgan Burtwistle, better known as Angry Ginge, and radio host Nick Ferrari.
Alex’s personal life has been a talking point after it emerged that she was in a relationship with singer Jess Glynne.
But the football pundit revealed that she found it difficult to show emotion after living in an abusive household.
She has described her father as being “stupidly cruel”, and revealed to The Times that he was physically and mentally abusive. This claim has been strongly denied by her father.
She told the publication in March this year: “We weren’t allowed to express emotion. Dad didn’t allow us to hug each other or say ‘I love you’. It had a huge impact on us all.
“To this day, if I want to show people love, I’ll do it by taking them out to dinner and paying. I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like… [rigid]. She was like, ‘Are you not going to put your arms around me?’ But I didn’t know how to do that.”
On hearing the allegations made about him, her father responded at the time and said: “I have no idea why she’s saying all this stuff. I was raised in a strict but loving Jamaican family and Alex should know what they are like. I taught her discipline, I did a lot to help her.”
TV star and model Vogue Williams has reportedly signed up to this year’s I’m A Celebrity, 10 years after her husband Spencer Matthews was removed from the ITV camp
Vogue Williams will be hoping to do better than Spencer Matthews(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
Model and reality TV star Vogue Williams is the latest famous face to be tipped to be heading Down Under for the gruelling Bushtucker trials. She would follow in her husband Spencer Matthew’s footsteps, but would hope to have a very different experience from him.
The Made in Chelsea star was removed from camp after three days back in 2015 because he was taking steroids and didn’t tell producers beforehand. Now, Vogue has been tipped as “one of the most glam signings” in years.
“She is really fun and gets on with everyone, so bosses reckon she will be a hit with viewers,” a source explained. “It has been a hard decision to go on the show, because it will mean so much time away from her kids, but she wants to fight her fears and go for it.”
They added to the Sun: “Spencer is a massive thrillseeker and is always off on an adventure, but now it is Vogue’s turn to have one.” Vogue and Spencer married in 2018, and they share three children together.
She already has experience with tough shows, having won Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. Vogue might not be the only model in camp as it has been rumoured Kelly Brook will appear despite saying she would never do it.
In 2018, Kelly insisted she would never take part in the series. At the time she said: “I can just think of a million things I’d rather do. I’d rather go and work in my local pub.”
She added: “Even if I had a huge tax bill and I had to pay it really urgently, I still wouldn’t do it.” Kelly went as far as saying doing I’m A Celebrity would be the “beginning of the end”.
However, a source told the publication over the weekend that Kelly has signed up. Other famous faces said to be taking on the jungle include Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley and Shona McGarty who quit her role on EastEnders this year.
Rapper Aitch is also reportedly to be on the bill, which would make him the first in 11 years. The musician is best known for his successful career which includes nine Top Ten hits and working with Stormzy and Ed Sheeran.
TV bosses are hoping that the 25-year-old brings a younger generation of fans. Aitch, whose real name is Harry Armstrong, originally comes from New Moston, Manchester and began his career when he was just 15.
But, ITV are yet to confirm a full list of while celebrities will be on the latest series. A spokesman for ITV said: “We do not comment on speculation about I’m A Celebrity contestants.”
Influencers are reportedly raging after an over-night sensation is given jungle spot
22:19, 27 Sep 2025Updated 22:19, 27 Sep 2025
Latest I’m A Celeb contestant sparks fury as influencers feel “stitched up”(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Social media influencers are reportedly fuming after TikTok star Angry Ginge is pipped for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as some are said to be feeling overlooked by ITV.
Angry Ginge, who is really 21-year-old Morgan Burtwhistle, has been added to the rumoured line-up for the hit ITV show, alongside Lisa Riley and Shona McGarty. The decision is thought to have sparked outrage amongst other social media stars, many of whom are said to feel “snubbed”.
A source said told the press: “It’s turned into an influencer war every single year now. There are some really big names in that space who have been trying to get into the jungle for ages, and they feel ITV keep ignoring them. First it was GK Barry last year, now it’s Angry Ginge – people are fuming.”
Angry Ginge, whose content focuses on FIFA, has more than 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and has already filmed videos with football stars such as Wayne Rooney. He even participated in Soccer Aid this year. It is thought that ITV bosses are eager to get the TikTokker into the jungle as GK Barry was popular on last year’s series.
The insider said this was souring the mood for influencers off camera, especially those who have been in talks with ITV for years. “The mood behind the scenes is not good. Some of these influencers have been in proper talks with ITV for years.
“They were already furious when GK Barry got the call-up last year, and now they’re watching another online star — who’s barely been around five minutes compared to them — bag the jungle spot. They feel stitched up.”
Despite the backlash, the I’m A Celeb producers are reportedly excited by their line-up. Lisa, who is known for playing Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale for 30 years, is already a fan of the show is rumoured to be heading to the jungle. EastEnders‘ Shona McGarty is also said to be joining the show, as she has now left the soap after 16 years on it.
Angry Ginge is thought to have been signed as part of a plan to draw in the next generation of viewers. ITV have recently struck a deal that has secured I’m A Celeb’s future until 2030, which will mark 30 years of the show. With that in mind, producers are rumoured to be hoping to attract younger viewers.
The Express’ source added that influencers are still pushing for a spot in the jungle, but this push is not a happy one. “It doesn’t matter who else is going in. Right now the influencer community is at war with ITV, and Angry Ginge is right in the middle of it.”
EX-I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison is finding Strictly rehearsals difficult and admits: “I’d take kangaroo balls over glitter balls any day. I’m really done in.”
FRANKIE Bridge has broken down in tears on the tube amid her ongoing feud with Myleene Klass.
Loose WomenpanellistFrankie, 36, took to her TikTok page this weekend to share a teary video where she looked incredibly sad.
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Frankie Bridge broke down in tears on the tubeCredit: tiktok
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She was seen tearing up in a new videoCredit: TikTok/@frankiebridge
The former star of The Saturdays was seen breaking down in tears while standing on the mode of public transport.
“When you start crying on the tube…
“But it’s okay, because now you get to pretend you’re in a music video,” Frankie penned over the top of the video.
In the caption, she also wrote, “Anyone else like to pretend they’re in a music video on the train?”
The music that played over the top of the video was Too Little Too Late by JoJo.
Fans flocked to the comments section, with many seemingly concerned for Frankie.
“What are you crying for?” asked one.
“Are you ok?” quizzed another.
A third person wrote: “If I was there I would have give u a hug.”
“Life is tough just remember Frankie you are doing your best and tomorrow is another day,” penned a fourth.
Frankie Bridge reveals battle with ‘uncontrollable anxiety’ and ‘sadness’ amid bitter Myleene Klass feud
“Things will improve these moments are here to make you feel stronger,” said a fifth.
A sixth person then touchingly penned: “I feel so sorry for you at the moment Frankie, every video you’ve put up lately, you can literally see the sadness in your eyes.
“Hope you work through it and get back to yourself which I know is easier said the done as I know from experience.
“Stay strong and try and focus on all the good things in your life.”
Myleene’s shock feud explained
Myleene Klass has found herself embroiled in a bitter feud.
And with the National Television Awards taking place this week, it has been revealed Myleene will skip the event to avoid any awkward run-ins with the two women.
A source told The Sun: “There has been wild speculation lately that the women don’t get on after falling out years ago.
“Fortunately, they will avoid a public clash as Myleene, who has been a regular at the glitzy event over the years, is swerving it this year as she has work commitments.”
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Myleene Klass will not attend the NTAs this yearCredit: Getty
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This comes amid a feud with Frankie BridgeCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Social media sensation Angry Ginge is reportedly set to be signed up for the next series of I’m A Celeb after impressing ITV bosses during Soccer Aid recently
Angry Ginge is being eyed up for this year’s stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here(Image: Jordan Peck|Getty Images)
ITV bosses of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here are already starting to secure the celebrity line-up for this year’s series and have now eyed up one star they feel will fit in perfectly. Social media star Angry Ginge, who has more than three million followers across his platforms including Instagram and Tik Tok, is one of a few names being thrown into the hat.
Once Angry Ginge signs on the dotted line, he will be following in the footsteps of Nella Rose and GK Barry from previous years.
The social media star, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, is believed to have impressed ITV bosses during the annual charity football match Soccer Aid.
A source told The Sun: “ITV bosses always like to have a social media superstar on their cast, especially after GK Barry proved such a success last year. Angry Ginge has bags of personality and was really friendly to everyone at Soccer Aid this year. He made a great impression.”
Social media star Angry Ginge impressed ITV bosses during Soccer Aid(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Angry Ginge’s followers are regularly kept in the loop with his life and career highlights.
And one of them was when he worked eith football legend Wayne Rooney.
Other names in the mix are Emmerdale star Lisa Riley and former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty.
In December 2023, Nella Rose, who was one of the first social media stars to enter the Australian jungle, wasn’t greeted by anyone following her exit and decided to not be interviewed by Lorraine Kelly.
And at the time, many were left concerned.
Angry Ginge is being eyed up for this year’s stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here(Image: Getty Images)
Nella became quite a talking point during her time on the ITV show after she famously clashed with First Dates star Fred Sirieux.
And at the time of her exit, the Mirror exclusively revealed the real reason she opted out of speaking on Lorraine.
A source told the Mirror: “There seems to be some confusion but Nella has just been relaxing on her first day out of the jungle.
It is quite common for contestants to do that and she will be giving her views and thoughts about her time in the jungle on ITV on Wednesday.”
Presenting powerhouse Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly have reportedly landed a huge £30 million golden handcuffs deal with ITV which will keep them at the network for three years
Ant and Dec land ‘£30million golden handcuffs deal with ITV’(Image: Getty Images)
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have reportedly landed a £30 million golden handcuffs deal with ITV after the channel lost This Morning’s Holly Willoughby. The presenting duo, who have won endless awards over the years for their work, are said to be in talks on a three-year agreement for their shows.
The huge deal would see them continue hosting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Limitless Win. An insider claimed the deal with Ant and Dec is a “worthwhile investment” for ITV as they’re widely loved by the public and host “some of the channel’s most successful shows”.
With their 50th birthdays coming up soon, the duo have “double the reason to celebrate”.
Ant and Dec are reportedly wrapping up talks for a £30m deal(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)
Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: “From the ITV execs’ point of view, it also ensures that there aren’t any counter-bids from the streaming giants who are increasingly moving into the light entertainment arena.”
The Mirror have reached out to ITV for comment. It comes after it was reported ITV has been in talks to extend fan-favourite series, I’m A Celeb, until at least 2030.
A TV source recently claimed the broadcaster has plans to secure the series’ Australian jungle location for another five years and if successful, the deal would take the hit reality show up to its landmark 30th series.
The duo host some of ITV’s biggest shows
The discussions would mark a shift in strategy for ITV, which has previously only signed three-year agreements to use the Murwillumbah site in New South Wales.
Negotiations are now reportedly underway with Australian authorities and the Tweed Shire Council, which must approve any extended filming permits.
A source said to The Sun: “The production team are planning five years in advance, which is a long-term approach they haven’t adopted before. But this is not a done deal with the local authorities, and the negotiations have just started to secure the site.
“They’re not taking anything for granted but are hopeful all parties involved will be able to reach some kind of agreement.”
A spokesperson for Tweed Shire Council confirmed talks are ongoing. She revealed: “They will need to seek permission again – we can’t give open-ended filming permissions to anyone.:
I’m A Celeb, which was won by Danny Jones last year, drew in an average audience of 9.1 million in the previous series, making it 2024’s most-watched entertainment programme.
Sandra Martin, who shot to fame on Gogglebox, has admitted she’s ‘glad’ to be back on benefits
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time and Holly Fleet
14:20, 25 Aug 2025Updated 14:21, 25 Aug 2025
Former Gogglebox star Sandra Martin has confessed that she “prefers” life on benefits, stating it’s less stressful.
The 55-year-old telly favourite, who rose to fame alongside her best mate Sandi Bogle on the popular Channel 4 show, revealed she had to sign back on in February 2018 after her TV earnings dwindled.
Despite having credits from reality series 100 Years Younger in 21 Days and various chat show appearances, Sandra admitted the work was short-lived.
After leaving Gogglebox in 2017, she splurged the last of her earnings on a hotel stay. By Christmas of the same year, she confessed to being “homeless and penniless”, struggling to make ends meet.
In 2018, Sandra told The Sun: “I went back to the job centre and shouted, ‘Hello! I’m home!’ I was on benefits for 35 years before I went on Gogglebox. I’m glad I’m back on social. I loved Gogglebox, but it was stressful because I couldn’t talk as much as I wanted, when I wanted.”
Now, she says she feels more comfortable living on handouts than pursuing TV fame, despite critics highlighting her frequent posts about jetting off on holidays, reports the Express.
Sandra Martin was on Gogglebox until 2017.(Image: GETTY)
Sandra added, “I turned to benefits when the money ran out. It’s less stressful. I feel like myself again.”
In January of this year, Sandra faced further criticism after refusing to sit in a plane’s middle seat because she claimed to be a “celebrity.” The former fan-favourite expressed her displeasure at being allocated the middle seat on social media.
Sandra caused a stir on a Ryanair flight when she refused to sit between two passengers. She shared a video from inside the plane’s cabin, standing in the aisle in protest.
Sandra Martin with her daughter on Gogglebox(Image: Channel 4)
She told her followers: “There’s no person there, I’m not showing your face and there’s one person there and they want me to sit there. No, I’m a celebrity… I’m Sandra Gogglebox. I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”
“I cannot sit in that spot. No, I can’t breathe, I’m gonna faint, I’m gonna fart.”
Sandra said she was waiting until boarding was finished to see if there was a spare alternative seat.
In a kind gesture, her neighbour eventually agreed to swap places, and Sandra took the aisle seat for the flight.
Coronation Street star Adam Hussain could be about sign up for the jungle as he has become a favourite of the bookies to brave the reality show amid his soap exit
20:01, 18 Aug 2025Updated 20:02, 18 Aug 2025
Adam Hussain has quit his role as Aadi Alahan on Coronation Street and could be about to sign up for the jungle
Coronation Street star Adam Hussain could be about sign up for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! The actor, 24, has played the role of Aadi Alahan on the world’s longest-running television soap since 2020 but recently quit the cobbles and his final scenes are yet to air.
But speculation suggests that Adam could be about to trade the the fictional Manchester backstreet for the Australian Outback, when the reality show returns to screens later this year.
The son of Weatherfield tycoon Dev Alahan has been through a dramatic time recently
If Adam, who took over the part of shopkeeper Aadi from Zennon Ditchett, does end up venturing off into the jungle, he will certainly not be the first famous face from the soap to take part in Ant and Dec’s long-running reality show, which first aired in 2002. Antony Cotton, who plays knicker stitcher Sean Tully, entered the jungle in 2011 and just missed out on a place in the final, where McFly star Dougie Poynter was crowned winner.
In 2012, Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) was voted by the public to face seven consecutive Bushtucker trials, which, at the time, was a record for the programme. And ever since Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Dobbs) joined the jungle in 2017, it has become almost an annual occurrence for a star from the soap to appear.
The news comes just days after Aadi’s exit was teased in sad scenes. As views will know, character has been embroiled in various conflicts over the last few months. Earlier this year, he was unintentionally responsible for Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) becoming a victim of spiking when he threw a house party that went wrong, and, amid their budding romance, he has lied to her about the events of that fateful night.
Adam currently stars as the son of Weatherfield business tycoon Dev Alahan but is set to be waving goodbye to the cobbles in upcoming scenes
After all that failed, Aadi finally fessed up to Dev, and his dad learned that his partner Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) had been in on the initial attempt to cover it all up as well, when she brought forward their wedding in the hopes of getting a rich relative to pay for it.
Having been branded a ‘failure’ by Dev, who has owned and operated multiple Weatherfield businesses since he arrived in 1999, things came to a head for the teenager as he hit a new low. Clearly unsure what to do next, Aadi decided to drink his problems away as he ignored calls and text from Lauren, who had been hoping to meet him that day.
Eventually, he was spotted by builders Gary Windass (Mikey North) and Theo Silverton (James Cartwright). He was blocking their van and it all ended in calamity when he refused to move, as he fell and hit his head on a brick wall. Dev, desperate to find his son after he wasn’t in bed after Lauren came calling for him, swooped onto the scene to see what had happened to his son, but Aadi refused any help from him whatsoever and stormed off.
That night, Dev asked him: “What happened with us? You always used to make me so proud of you. Did I not tell you enough? Is that why you’re punishing me?”
Aadi admitted: “It’s not always easy, trying to live up to you. You’re always going on about everything you achieved. I’m not saying you never praised me but it was only when it made you look good. It was never enough to just be me.” Acknowledging that things have to change, Dev revealed that he had been in touch with his cousin Vikram and has arranged for him to go and work with him in India.
Through tears, Aadi protested: “I’m not moving to India!” but Dev said he ‘could not support him anymore. “You’re just kicking me out?” Aadi shot back, to which Dev confessed through tears of his own: “I don’t want to. But you have left me no choice.” Viewers then saw Aadi and Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) act on their true feelings for each other, but even that went wrong in the end, and the character looks set to depart Weatherfield for good in the coming weeks.
ITV bosses have reportedly offered boxing champ David Haye a spot on the next season of I’m A Celeb’s All Stars spin off – with one major topic expected to be discussed around the campfire
David Haye is expected to return to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!(Image: ITV)
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is planning to add boxing champ David Haye to their knockout line-up of the next All Stars spin-off season. The former heavyweight champ, 44, first appeared on the long-running ITV reality show’s twelfth season back in 2012.
And he may be returning to the jungle as one of the All Star contestants for the spin-off series that sees past participants return for another round of stomach churning trials. The first season of the All Stars version, titled I’m a Celebrity… South Africa, aired in 2023 with Myleene Klass being crowned winner.
And now a string of popular former contestants are being lined up for a second trip to the outback – with David among the top names wanted to take part in the series. He came third when he participated in the series the last time behind winner Charlie Brooks, of EastEnders fame, and Pussycat Dolls runner-up Ashley Roberts.
The boxing hunk was a hit on the show back in 2012(Image: davidhaye)
Since then, David’s foray into the world of media stardom has seen him appear in shows including The Big Narstie Show and his own David Haye versus series, which saw him interview and train with major celebrities.
A source told The Sun: “David was delighted to get the call from ITV. As viewers know, no chats are off-limits around the campfire, so they can expect to see David grilled over his quirky relationships.” The Mirror has contacted representatives of David and ITV for comment.
It is expected that the new season of the ITV show will begin filming in the autumn months when a string of other former contestants will return to the wilderness to survive on basic rations. Football icon Harry Redknapp, 78, who won in 2018, and Gemma Collins, 44, who quit the show after three days in 2014, are among names linked to the new season.
A number of familiar faces are expected to jet to Australia in November to film the next season of the main I’m A Celeb series. It will be the 25th outing of the show – which first aired way back in 2002.
Gemma Collins is also tipped to return to the jungle(Image: PA)
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will travel Down Under to preside over all the terrifying trials and encourage the celebs to eat revolting meals and drinks. The 2024 season of the show was won by McFly singer Danny Jones.
But the 39-year-old singer has had a difficult few months since he was crowned the king of the jungle. He was shamed in March when video footage emerged of him locking lips with fellow I’m A Celeb 2024 contestant Maura Higgins, of Love Island fame.
The footage sparked shock among his fans – who have championed his marriage to beauty contestant Georgia Horsley – a former Miss England winner. The couple have been an item since 2009 and they have been married since 2014.
They also welcomed a son named Cooper who was born in 2018. Danny offered a groveling apology to his wife which he issued via social media soon after his extramarital kiss went viral.
In a statement, the McFly singer said: “Hello everyone, sorry it’s taken me a while to post this but I’ve taken some time out to be with those closest to me. I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we’ll continue to deal with this privately.
“I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny.” Meanwhile, a source close to Danny revealed at the time that he was “mortified” by what happened as well as the “awful situation he has put everyone in”.
All five members of The Saturdays insisted there was no bad blood when they parted ways in 2014.
However, The Sun previously revealed that Rochelle and Frankie’s 24-year friendship may have hit the rocks.
The duo were invited to watch the tennis at Wimbledon as As guests of sponsor Evian.
Frankie Bridge posts cryptic TikTok about ‘being a people pleaser’ amid feud with Myleene Klass
They mingled with other celebrities and guests just yards away from one another in a suite.
However, they failed to actually interact with each other as they enjoyed the delights of the hydrangea building nearCourtOne.
An insider told The Sun: “It was clear the women were keeping their distance. They sat on opposite sides of the suite and kept to themselves.
“While Frankie posed for pictures with S Club’s Rachel Stevens, Rochelle took selfies with her husband Marvin and his I’m A Celebrity campmate Sam Thompson.
“Even though they were pleasant to each other when they did brush shoulders, they didn’t spend any extra time together than they had to, in between being amicable while passing each other en route to watch the tennis.”
Both of the stars were clients of her now ex-husband, who worked as a showbiz security manager.
Their continued friendship is said to have caused a rift as Myleene, 47, reportedly believes Rochelle took Graham’s side.
But they have not been seen on-screen together on the ITV show since an awkward episode last year.
At the time of the first report, representatives for Rochelle and Myleene did not reply to a request for comment.
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Frankie explained that she was prescribed meditation and relaxation her on holidayCredit: Instagram / rochellehumes
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She reportedly avoided her childhood friend and former bandmate Rochelle Humes when they were both invited to watch the tennis at WimbledonCredit: Splash
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Meanwhile, Myleene’s feud apparently stems from their friendship with her ex-husband Graham QuinnCredit: Getty
Columnist Jessica Boulton brings you her brutally-honest and wry rundown of Showbiz’s latest shenanigans: from Ibiza Final Boss to MasterChef muppets, she’s not holding back
Jessica Boulton works on the Mirror’s features desk, specialising in celebrity features and interviews. She also writes a weekly observational comedy column Jess Saying, which runs each Saturday. In addition, she oversees the entertainment pages, helps co-ordinate the Pride of Britain coverage and newsletter and guest edits The Diary. Jessica joined The Mirror’s sister paper The People in 2006, and has since worked on the Sunday Mirror and Now magazine. Most likely to be found raving about The Oscars, BAFTAs, Netflix, Friends or Star Wars.
The face that launched a 1,000 snips? Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay must follow rules to cash in(Image: TikTok)
It’s a strange, strange world when I’m feeling sorry for a bunch of Love Island contestants. But in this social media age, it is sadly what it’s come to. For the poor lovelorn bedhoppers at the Mallorca villa have been putting in weeks of seriously hard graft – flashing their abs and parading around in thong bikinis – to get the one precious thing, (I suspect) their hearts truly desired. No, not love. Fame. Glorious, generous, glittering FAME.
But in the days after Monday’s final, the Islanders soon found themselves getting a cold hard lesson in the pitfalls of success: There’s always someone waiting in the wings – ready to cut short your 15 minutes….
Cach Mercer and Toni Laites have been revealed as the winners of Love Island 2025(Image: ITV)
For it wasn’t the winning Islanders “Breaking The Internet” this week. It wasn’t the winning Islanders batting off the biggest brand deals or most enticing DMs from Blue Tick TikTok. And it wasn’t the winning Islanders getting excitable TV companies all in a lather, begging for interviews. It was….a HAIRCUT.
Yes, the biggest celebrity getting buzz online this week wasn’t even a celeb when the week began. He was Jack Kay, a literal normal down-to-earth 26-year-old Jack-the-lad, from Newcastle on holiday in Ibiza.
He’s been offered free holidays, brand endorsement deals, flights on a £5million private jet, and a whole list of big-money nightclub appearances. He’s signed with Joey Essex’s agent and has landed his own tour and – according to media experts – he could be well-placed to launch his own merchandise range and even bag a possible spot on a reality show. All in all, it’s predicted he could rake in a whopping SIX figures by the end of the year.
For nowadays you don’t need to work summer seasons in Blackpool or win a talent show to become a star. You can become ‘famous’ just by making the right people laugh, at the right moment in time, as they absent-mindedly scroll through their phone while listening to podcasts. Yep, Fame has reached Peak Fickledom.
So, when the stars and algorithms do align to make you a viral hit, you need to make the most of it. And while Jack’s ‘success’ is all thanks to what is ON his head, it’s what’s inside it which will prove his biggest asset. For in 2025, turning your viral moment in the sun into a longer-term earner is all about savvy strategy, clear thinking and mindset:
Are Jack Kay/Ibiza Bob’s fellow Geordies Ant and Dec jumping on the Ibiza Final Boss bandwagon?
(*Okay, okay, PhotoShop may have lent a hand). As for the rest of the week? Well, Celebland was throwing us all sorts of surprises…..
Monday mayhem
Be afraid, be very afraid! For the stars of an upcoming new theatre tour have been doing the press rounds this week. And from the sounds of it, there will be no one safe this Halloween and autumn. Indeed, it’s expected to have many a celeb not just quaking but SHAKING, QUAKING, QUIVERING, TREMBLING AND OUTRIGHT SHUDDERING in their boots.
No, it’s not a new take on Phantom of the Opera (albeit some may be haunted by what’s said). Nor is it Saw: The Musical (although that is a multi-million pound idea). It’s the terrifying new two-hander: An Evening With… Katie Price and Kerry Katona. The pair’s tell-all 33-date UK tour was feared to have been cancelled earlier in the summer due to… well, whatever Katie’s snoresome crisis-du-jour was at the time.
Katie Price and Kerry Katona are getting ready for their new tour (But I have a few notes!)(Image: Instagram)
But the pair are back and have now been hitting the interview circuit to give fans a little taste of what to expect. Target one? “Snobby” Strictly – which they publicly dissed this week for having never asked them to take part. (One suspects they’ve now said “Foxtrot Oscar” to any future possibilities too).
Of course, we all know the real dirt will be saved for the show itself. Yet however juicy the eww -some twosome’s tete-a-tete promises to be, I can’t help but wonder if the panto frenemies could have come up with a slightly more, er… spicy format… A WWE-style grudge match with lookalikes of their many nemeses, perhaps? Imagine the commentator yelling to the roaring crowd: “Get Ready to say mi-OWWW! It’s our very own….. Nuclear Cheetah aka Kerry Katona! – from Atomic Kitten to a one-woman weapon of mass destruction…”
Or maybe… they could make it a dramatic retelling of Four Weddings And A Funeral, where Katie’s the bride each time and the funeral’s for her tragic lack of taste? Or finally, what about a musical? After all, KP’s been Defying Gravity for years (with the help of her plastic surgeon).
What a royal twit Tuesday
It’s not been a good week for Royal affairs – of any kind. But a new bombshell biography has cemented one unassailable truth: Young kids fed on fairy tales and Disney movies are far more likely to find themselves a talking warthog or a flying elephant than a real-life Prince Charming.
Yes, a new book by historian Andrew Lownie has claimed Prince Andrew allegedly strayed “more than a dozen” times before his first – yes, first – anniversary with Fergie. Clearly their wedding certificate was not worth the paper it was printed on.
Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York in 1986 – the year they married. They divorced 10 years later(Image: Hulton Archive/GettyImages)
Fergie did have a little something in common with Cinderella however. She was sporting some rather fetching slippers this week. They weren’t glass ones though – they were fluffy numbers emblazoned with the unofficial Royal motto “Never Complain, Never Explain”. It warms the heart, it really does.
Wok you gonna do? Wednesday
The BBC took a leap with its MasterChef dilemma by airing the first episode of the pre-recorded series on Wednesday. Surprisingly they went for primetime BBC1 instead of hiding it on iPlayer only. Presumably they figured they were in for a roasting whatever they did – so they might as well fill a hole in the schedule.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace in the new series of MasterChef, recorded before their two scandals(Image: BBC)
The real stars of the series are the editors who faced the unenviable task of trying to cut out as much of the under-fire Gregg Wallace and John Torode as possible – which from the looks of the results is a bit like trying to remove excess garlic from a pasta dish. You can’t. Everything’s already tainted.
What I don’t understand is why the Beeb didn’t go with my previous suggestion: just do some deep fake trickery. So what could they replace them with? Let’s see: Option 1: A literal toxic trigger warning; Option 2: Bradley Walsh and Rylan Clark (they’re on everything else anyway); Option 3 (and perhaps most apt): Statler and Waldorf. A couple of muppets… who are completely stuffed.
Half-baked deep fakes? What the BBC could have done to solve their MasterChef problem with hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode
No relief for kangaroo testicles Thursday
Talking of show formats (see Monday), there was one news story this week that left me feeling a little… well, antsy . What was it? This: “ITV bosses are planning the next five years of I’m A Celebrity…” (really? another FIVE?); “With talks under way to film in the jungle until 2030….” (Wait, 2030 is only five years away??); “When it’ll reach its landmark 30th season”. (30 years? 30? 3-0?)
You mean to say we’ve been watching the same show with the same hosts, same sort of trials, same prize, same location, same set and same set of scandals just with different faces… for nearly 30 YEARS? They say doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome is the very definition of insanity. So either, we can all relate to Peter Andre’s infamous jungle-penned hit Insania – written while a campmate in 2004 – or we really don’t mind the deja vu.
So what can we expect over the next few years? Well, I have two predictions:
Ant and Dec have been doing I’m a Celeb for 25 years and counting (Image: ITV)
1. Princess and/or Junior Andre will follow in their parents’ footsteps, going back to the scene of the crime special place where the Katie and Peter’s “love” story first began.
2. Following the “success” of political hires Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage, bosses will make a “bigly” play for President Trump at the end of his term. (If he doesn’t rewrite the US Constitution, that is.) After all, there’s been quite a few (thousand) of his type involved in the show before. Fatima Whitbread even got one stuck up her nose… Much to the chagrin of her and the cockroach, I suspect.
Foolish Friday
It was a mixed day for Richard Osman. On the plus side, Netflix released the first trailer for the movie adaptation of his bestselling crime novel The Thursday Murder Club (starring Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren).
Richard Osman gets loose-lipped on podcast (Image: SKY)
On the downside… Osman – who has produced a number of game shows including Pointless, Total Wipeout, Prize Island, and my absolute FAVOURITE Only Connect – inexplicably decided to tell podcast listeners that quiz shows often use “an algorithm” to stop contestants winning too much money.
It’s obvious to be fair, and while not quite a Gerald Ratner-level own goal, it wasn’t terribly clever. I wouldn’t want to overtly criticise him in a family newspaper, so here’s my verdict – in the style of Only Connect’s Missing Vowels Round. Enjoy! WH TTT LPLNK R*
Picture of the Week
Being a 30-something in today’s world must be tough. There you are, juggling career, love life, social life and saving for an inexplicably-expensive “micro-loft” – and somehow you also have to make time for what’s really important: taking impossibly perfect pics for the ‘Gram.
But it looks like a certain 35-year-old Oscar-winner has got this careful balancing act all figured out. For, Avengers star Brie Larson posted THIS video on Instagram this week.
Brie Larson’s quirky balancing act – HOW IS SHE DOING THAT?(Image: Instagram)
Brie as Captain Marvel: yes, she can save the universe and the fabric of time itself, but can she balance on one stiletto heel atop a can of peaches?(Image: Handout)
And while she might be steady as a rock, I – as Gen Z would say – “am shook” . In fact I’m more impressed by this feat than by any of her big screen Captain Marvel antics.
Brie, who is promoting her new tome, Party People, accompanied this video with a quip: “My social media manager said this will sell 1,000 books. So here I am.” The book in question is a “cookbook for creative celebrations” with “endless ideas for weird and wacky parties” – which goes some way to explaining this impressive-yet-leftfield marketing campaign.
Personally, I’m most amazed by her superhuman pain threshold. For, anyone who has experienced the inherent cruelty of the modern-day torture device known as a stiletto heel, will appreciate that this is not just a demonstration of core strength, stability and precision… but of sheer, sheer, sheer ENDURANCE.
So how did she do it? The way I see it, there’s only one explanation: she’s in the wrong franchise… the girl’s a Wonder Woman for sure.
What do you think? Have you seen some funny celeb moments this week? Let me know in comment or on X/Instagram via @JessicaBoulton
*Answer To Missing Vowels Round: “What a plonker”
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I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! All Stars is making a return and two iconic stars from the programme is said to be close to signing up for the South African series
Harry, 78, took part in the 2018 series filmed in Australia and even beat the likes of Emily Atack and John Barrowman to become King of the Jungle. Meanwhile, Diva Forever star Gemma was part of the 2014 programme but only lasted a couple of days before making a beeline for the exit.
Harry was crowned the winner of his series(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
It has been reported that Harry could earn a huge fee if he were to take part in the South African All Stars series, which is said to start filming this autumn.
It could rival Coleen Rooney and Nigel Farage’s hefty paycheck, which was reportedly around £1.5million. Meanwhile, bosses are said to have offered £150,000 to Gemma for her to take part in the competition.
An insider claimed to The Sun: “It’s going to be a real coup. Harry is TV gold and was first on the list of wannabe celebrity contestants.” The Mirror have reached out to Gemma and Harry’s representatives for comment.
While appearing on GMB, Harry spoke to Kate and Ben to discuss a celebrity football match he was leading, but the presenters couldn’t resist quizzing the football manager on why he was absent from the series.
Kate remarked: “I was quite surprised you didn’t get a phone call for the I’m a Celebrity All-Stars, did you ever fancy going back?”
“No, I didn’t get the phone call, Kate,” Harry replied. “I don’t know, maybe they lost my number. No, it didn’t happen, but I think once is, ‘You’ve done it,’ once was enough,” he added.
“It was a great experience, but I really am not desperate to get back in again.”
Meanwhile, Gemma previously shared the real reason she quit the show after only three days in the jungle. “My time was short in the jungle, and not many people know that I was robbed and physically attacked 24 hours before leaving for Australia,” she said.
The reality TV star continued: “I didn’t want to let anyone down, so I still went in. However, I was in a terrible state and shock, as you can imagine and couldn’t see it through.
“I took lots of stick over it, but if you was robbed and attacked and then sent into the jungle, I’m sure you would have struggled too. I would never let anyone destroy my dreams again.”
Food critic Grace Dent, 51, is said to be replacing Gregg Wallace, 60, on MasterChef UK after the TV host was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay
21:56, 12 Jul 2025Updated 21:58, 12 Jul 2025
Gregg Wallace has been sacked from MasterChef(Image: BBC)
A source has claimed the food critic, 51, will appear on the show alongside John Torode, 59, with filming set to begin at the end of summer. The claims emerged days after Gregg, 60, shared a statement warning he would “not go quietly” after he was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay as 50 more people came forward to make allegations of misconduct, which he strongly denies.
According to the insider, Grace, who replaced Gregg on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year, is “a natural fit” for the show. The source added that Grace “loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.”
Grace Dent and John Torode on Celebrity MasterChef (Image: PA)
They told The Sun: “Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December. They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham, so it will be a fresh start all round.” When it was confirmed in December last year that Grace, who starred on I’m a Celebrity in 2023 but left on medical grounds after nine days, was stepping in for Celebrity MasterChef, she said: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa.
“My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me. I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.
“I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef. I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.” Jon added of her colleague: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.”
Grace returning to the UK after leaving I’m a Celebrity in November 2023(Image: PA)
The news emerged just days after Gregg issued a furious statement on social media, claiming that the Silkin’s Report into his alleged misconduct “exonerates him of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year.” In a lengthy post shared on social media, he wrote: “I’ve taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.
“I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.”
He added: “My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins. The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism.
Grace with John and Gregg on MasterChef(Image: BBC)
“It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to ‘get ahead’ of the Silkin’s summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
The Mirror has reached out to MasterChef and Grace Dent’s representatives for comment.
