Shane Richie: I’m skint celeb.. get me in there!

SHANE Richie has had to borrow cash from pals as he has not worked in six months due to the pandemic – so appearing on I’m A Celebrity means he can finally pay them back.

The 56- year- old, best known as Eastenders’ Alfie Moon, signed up for the show in January when his work diary was still full – before the pandemic put an end to his commitments.

The bookies’ favourite said: “I was going on tour, doing a TV series and panto, but that all got cancelled in March. Now I’m skint!

“Thankfully I’ve been able to borrow money from mates, family and the bank.

“My wife’s very happy we can finally pay off the credit card. I’m so grateful and looking forward to being around adults again instead of my wife and three children.”

The social side also appeals to

Beverley Callard – Coronation Street’s Liz Mcdonald. Bev, 63, said: “After lockdown because I had a hip operation I was still at home.

“But I’m not good at being at home and I haven’t met any new people for months, so this will be really good.” Perhaps the biggest surprise is Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah.

Mo, 37, said: “I know a lot of people will be surprised... but I want to give it a go. It’s so out of my comfort zone.”

There was a last- minute scare for Strictly star AJ Pritchard after he tested positive for Covid- 19.

But show insiders say he feels fine and will have isolated for more than the Government’s recommended 10 days by the time the show starts.

Stage star Ruthie Henshall and opera singer Russell Watson are tipped to be among more celebrities likely to join as wild cards half- way through.

Shane Richie

Age: 56

Famous for: Eastenders star Phobias: Human faeces... I hope the camp toilet will be enclosed! Role in camp: Mucking in Ladbrokes odds to win: 5/ 2