Nigel Farage has shared a throwback clip for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly give their views on the possibility of the politician joining the line-up.
The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader, 59, is taking part in this year’s series, which starts on Sunday evening, and is said to have earned a cool £1.5million for his appearance.
The GB News star’s signing has proven controversial as Nigel is a notoriously divisive figure known for his right-wing views on immigration and the gender pay gap.
There was much criticism of ITV over its decision to cast him, and several petitions were launched to have him removed, while others boycotted the show in protest.
I’m A Celeb presenters Ant and Dec have yet to comment on the cast, but Nigel shared an unearthed video on Twitter on Tuesday in which the duo discuss their participation in the show.
Have your say: Nigel Farage has a retro clip for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! divided. Presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly give their views on the possibility of the politician joining the line-up
Controversial signing: The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader, 59, is taking part in this year’s series and is said to have earned a cool £1.5 million for his appearance
Last year, the Geordies often took part in livestreams with fans after the shows aired, chatting about the events of the latest episode and answering questions from viewers.
In the clip shared by Nigel, one person suggested that the politician would go to the jungle for a year, with And and Dec apparently giving their approval.
The video shows Dec saying: “Dan says Nigel Farage,” to which Ant responds: “‘Dan, that’s a very, very good idea. Very good idea.’
Dec chimes in and adds: “I’d like to see that.”
Alongside the clip, Nigel wrote: “Give the people what they want!” with a pair of eyes emoji.
It comes after Nigel insisted he is ready for whatever the jungle throws at him when he enters camp this week.
On Monday, he addressed GB News viewers in a pre-recorded video, saying: “So the speculation is over, I’m going into the jungle, but that’s fine because I’m dealing with both in Brussels and here “I’m used to snakes and other terrible reptiles in Westminster – I’m sure I’ll be able to survive.”
He also revealed that he was preparing for a life of enforced abstinence in the jungle by temporarily giving up alcohol and caffeine five days before his flight to Australia.
Recap: Ant and Dec haven’t commented on the cast yet, but Nigel shared an unearthed video on his Twitter on Tuesday in which the duo talk about taking part in the show
Seal of approval: In the clip shared by Nigel, one person suggested that the politician go into the jungle for a year, with And and Dec apparently giving their approval
Side view: Alongside the clip, Nigel wrote: “Give the people what they want!” with a pair of eyes emoji
Nigel said: “No, there’s no alcohol in it, which I think is a pretty serious situation.” Equally important, and funnily enough, are tea and coffee.
“As a little practice for the trip into the jungle, I haven’t drunk alcohol, a cup of tea or coffee for five days now.”
Nigel claimed the show producers first approached him seven years ago, shortly after Britain voted to leave the European Union following a referendum which he loudly supported.
“I have been asked to go to the jungle every year since 2016. I always thought it wasn’t the right time for it,” he said.
“But I can’t do it next year because we have a general election, we have an American presidential election, so in a way I have the freedom to do it this year.”
He added: “You know, the (Brexit) referendum was a long time ago, there are a lot of young people who don’t know who I am, don’t know what I stand for.”
“This is my big chance to reach a really big young audience, which I think will be good for me and also very good for GB News. “That’s a reason to do it.”
Nigel will be joined by a number of pop stars, actors and social media influencers when he lands in the jungle, including TikTok star Nella Rose – a staunch leftist who disagrees with his right-wing political views.
All Ready: It comes after Nigel insisted he is ready for whatever the jungle throws at him when he enters camp this week
Hinting at a possible clash with his impending roommate, he added: “Worst nightmare?” That’s easy – there are thousands of them. “Anyone who is an aggressive complainer would be their worst nightmare.”
The broadcaster also stressed that the biggest challenge will be getting out of his comfort zone after years of living in a political bubble.
“I lived on news, numbers and information,” he said. “Getting away from it for several weeks is a really big challenge: dealing with things that are obviously scary, but you have to deal with them and get through them.”
“The advantages are apparent. They are obvious. You reach a whole new, big audience, you expose yourself in a way you haven’t done in years, you make good money from it.
“The disadvantages – look. It could be a complete car accident. A disaster. Maybe I’ll end up arguing with someone – who knows! It could be that I will be voted out in the first round, I don’t know.
He added: “But I know that things can go very wrong and you are in front of the camera 24 hours a day, seven days a week and up to 22 days while the participants are in the jungle.” Of course, a lot can happen go wrong.
“But who has ever done something worthwhile in life without taking a risk?”
Possible Clashes: Nigel will be joined by a number of pop stars, actors and social media influencers when he ends up in the jungle
Nigel and Nella will join JLS star Marvin Humes, presenter Grace Dent, Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson in this year’s line-up.
First Dates presenter Fred Sirieix, Hollyoaks actor Nick Pickard and singer and actress Jamie Lynn Spears – younger sister of pop star Britney – are also taking part in the camp.
Retired jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Tony Bellew are also rumored to be potential campmates, but they are the latecomers to this series.
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! airs on ITV1 from November 19th at 9pm.
I’m a Celebrity 2023: Meet the Housemates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats and snakes and I’m afraid of anything that has to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up?: I’ve been demonized over the years and so it would be nice to show people that I’m not evil.
Role in Camp: Lead the initiation of numerous campfire conversations.
Apart from your family, what will you miss most about camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best and Worst Traits: I hope to cheer people up when they are depressed. Worst? I’m impatient and snore.
Dream Camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I look forward to meeting interesting people from all areas
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up in the jungle?: I can be a little light-headed at times, but I’m definitely not a “dumb blonde.” I want to show that I can overcome the trials and challenges and persevere.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, helping others when they are having a hard time at camp.
Besides family, what will you miss most at camp?: Snacking. I’m a bit of a glutton and will miss my morning cup of tea too!
Best and Worst Traits: I’d like to think that I’ll be good when people really struggle. However, I don’t get very bored and I’m not a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar to camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything. I can’t wait to find out how disgusting the food will be!
Biggest misconception you’d like to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything, but I’m looking forward to learning more about myself during my time at camp.
Role in the camp: I will definitely take part in all jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My bed. It’s super comfortable. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best and Worst Traits: I like to have fun, but I snore and am impatient!
Dream Camper: It will be nice to meet everyone, but I would love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and star of Catfish UK.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle? I’m a pretty open book.
Role in the camp: Keeping morale and humor high.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My phone… I’m always with you!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I’m a bit afraid of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors on Halloween and things start coming at you, I’m not very good if I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you’ll want to clear up in the jungle: It’ll be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in Camp: Grafter or Cook, I can cook pretty well. But I’ve never cooked on a fire. Besides the family, what will you miss most at camp: football and my amenities.
Best and Worst Traits: I would like to think that I am a nice person and a good team player. I’m not lazy, but I have a few bad habits, like picking my nose. My girlfriend tried to teach me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle?: I think this is a nice opportunity to show who I really am.
Role in the camp: Hopefully I’m the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss most at camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best and Worst Traits: I think my best trait is that it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; But I’m impatient and my family would say I’m often in a bad mood.
Dream Camper: Nicole Kidman, she’s my favorite actress in the whole world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I’m not the creepy crawly type and I hate it when anyone or anything touches my neck.
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up in the jungle?: I’ve spent my whole life on TV since I was 21, so I feel like whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably valid!
Role in Camp: I’m a yes man, so I’ll do whatever they ask of me when it comes to cooking and cleaning.
Besides your family, what will you miss most about camp?: I know this sounds lame, but it’s like a game.
Best and Worst Traits: I think I’m the court jester and don’t take things too seriously. So when someone is having a bad day, I want to put a smile on their face. Worst? I’m pretty forgetful and have trouble concentrating on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would burn myself if he went into the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I’m not sure what to do when I’m on trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle?: I want people to know that I’m very adept at knowing useless information!
Role in the camp: Mom. I am very motherly and I also like talking to people.
Besides your family, what will you miss most about camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and put on a little makeup!
Best and Worst Traits: I am an optimist and love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite curious and worry about my temper if I’m too hungry.
Dream Camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: heights. I have backed out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle: Showing that I’m not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice if people know more about me.
Role in Camp: I would like to be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Besides your family, what will you miss most at camp?: My fantasy football app! I’m obsessed with it! Even four weeks without music is a long time.
Best & Worst Traits: I have three children under the age of ten and that definitely takes a lot of patience! Worst? Rochelle would probably say that I get “hungry” when I don’t have enough to eat.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he’s in the thick of things and he’s practical.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle: People think I’m pretty blunt and scary, but I don’t think I’m scary! Hopefully people will see that.
Role in Camp: Shoulder to rest on and I’m a practical cook so I can help out.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My three cats and my makeup bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best and Worst Traits: I’d like to think I’m funny! My worst trait is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. It would be very practical. And Madonna – she could play tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!