Ant: I’d win I’m a Celeb

Boast as he and Dec launch tell-all book

I’M a Celebrity presenter Ant McPartlin reckons he would be crowned king of the jungle if he went in as a contestant – but Dec would walk out after three days.

The 44-year-old made the boast as he and co-star Declan Donnelly revealed secrets of the ITV hit in new book Once Upon A Tyne.

Asked how they would do as campmates, Dec said: “I think Ant would do really well. Definitely top three.” Ant shot back: “Top three? I’d win it!”

Dec replied: “You might be right. You’re very outdoorsy, you get on with people, you’re patient, you’d give trials a good go. I think you’d do really well.”

But the pair, speaking ahead of this year’s series, were less confident about Dec’s prospects. Ant said: “Let’s just say I think you’d be brilliant at Strictly. I’m not sure you’re cut out for I’m A Celeb.

“You’re the kind who would walk after three days. You’ve got a short fuse, you’re not that into outdoors and get grumpy when hungry.” And Dec replied: “Well, I suppose when you put it like that.”

The pair picked a live trial by TV nutritionist Gillian McKeith, 60, in 2010 as their favourite show moment. And they revealed they find out the line-up of celebs a month before it starts – and have input on choices. This means they will find out this year’s line-up in the next few weeks. The show will be staged in a Welsh castle as coronavirus restrictions ruled out Australia. Once Upon A Tyne: Our Story Celebrating 30 Years Together on Telly by Ant and Dec is published by Sphere.