ANDY whyment
On being a Jungle hero
How would you sum up your I’m A Celeb jungle experience?
It’s just been a mad experience, to go in there as a late arrival as well. I know I was emotional at times, but there were so many highs in there – and a few lows – but I had such an amazing time. I’ve been in Coronation Street for 19 years, and whenever I walk down the street, people just go, “That’s Kirk.” To know that people have got behind Andy Whyment now just means so much to me. I was really humbled by that.
You came across as being so likeable…
I just said I’d go in there and be myself, you can’t go in there and play a game. You’re in front of the cameras 24 hours a day, so you’d be found out. Thankfully, people seemed to like me for me – it was so humbling. I’m a 38-yearold man, but I blubbered so much when I was in there. When Jacqueline was going across the bridge, I burst into tears. I just wanted to see Nic [his wife]. I’ve never felt emotions like it.
‘everyone in the jungle had stories to tell’
Did your Corrie co-star and jungle alumni Jennie Mcalpine pass on any tips?
She just said if you don’t go out for a trial or Dingo Dollar, you’re in camp all day, and the days can feel quite long. She told me about the boredom, if anything. But there were a lot of big personalities in there, everyone had stories to tell. That’s what I enjoyed more than anything. I met 11 amazing people.
You’ve always been a big fan of the show, haven’t you?
I’m a super-fan! I absolutely love this show, and I embraced everything they threw at me. The fact that people got behind me and I finished second – apparently, there were 11million votes for the final. To finish second, thank you!
Did you get a Bacardi and Coke at the end of it all?
Yes! On Extra Camp. It was lovely. And one with my roast dinner on the last night. It’s been a roller-coaster time. I’m now going to have a few drinks and get very, very, very drunk. n
Andy spoke to ITV’S Lorraine