AJ: Isolation to jubilation..i’m in

Strictly star all clear for I’m A Celeb

DANCER AJ Pritchard has already been through a trial before I’m A Celebrity even starts – a positive Covid test.

The ex-strictly Come Dancing pro insists he is in great shape to join the nine other stars in a Welsh castle for the ITV reality show this weekend.

Covid rules mean no exotic Aussie jungle and different styles of challenges and trials for the celebs.

AJ, 26, said: “Let’s get this out of the way. When I came into isolation, I tested positive for Covid early on. Thankfully, I can say I’ve had two negative tests for coronavirus and I’ll definitely be going into the castle when it starts.

“That’s why we do go into isolation. It’s been over two weeks that I’ve been in isolation. I can’t wait to start my journey.”

AJ, an I’m A Celeb fan since he was young, said he had not had any symptoms and since the negative results is keen to start the show.

He said: “I feel very confident and feel very fit and healthy and mentally just ready to start this journey. I’m ready to conquer anything thrown at me.”

All the contestants have been isolating for several weeks and AJ’S positive test was thought to be some time ago. In recent days he was on social media saying he celebrated his birthday with girlfriend Abbie Quinnen who has been self-isolating with him.

I’m A Celeb from Gwrych Castle in Abergele, Conwy, kicks off on Sunday.

This week TV host Vernon Kay went running in the Welsh hills to stay in shape. Among the other contestants are athletics legend Sir Mo Farah and Eastenders’ Shane Richie.

In the show only the contestants and presenters Ant and Dec will be allowed within two metres of each other.

The crew will have to wear buzzers that will go off if they get too close.

There is a life-sized layout of the castle in a studio to work out camera placements and many of the staff will stay in London to cut the risk of infection.

Executive producer Richard Cowles said: “The thing about Covid is that it puts a massive, massive strain on the production team. Like we all know, the rules change daily and what you have to cope with is difficult.

“We’ve a great team who are adapting and evolving. The key thing is that we create the safest possible workplace.”

PERFECT PARTNER AJ was in self-isolation with Abbie HILLS AND CHILLS Kay trains to prepare for what horrors Ant and Dec have in store