A new batch of stars are settling in at the castle for I’m A Celebrity... – and their hosts promise their stay will be anything but comfortable

Two breakfast TV presenters, a pop star-turned-loose Women panellist, football’s smoothest idol, plus the oldest ever contestant – no wonder hosts Ant and Dec are thrilled with the line-up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

‘It’s an amazing group. We’re very happy and very excited,’ says Dec. Ant adds, ‘And whoever wins will have survived a pretty stern test. We’re going to try to make it even worse for the celebrities this time around!’

For the second year running the series will be coming from Gwrych Castle in north Wales after Covid travel restrictions ruled out using the jungle in Australia’s Springbrook National Park, the previous venue.

This year’s contest is already a record-breaker as it features 78year-old ex-strictly judge Arlene Phillips. She’s a year older than the previous most-aged competitor, Stanley Johnson in 2017.

As for the younger contestants, they’ve been doing some canny preparation work, with Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley revealing, ‘I’ve learnt a bit of Welsh in case it comes in handy.’ Louise Minchin, until recently a host of BBC Breakfast, is already in good shape for the physical trials as she regularly does triathlons, while former France and Spurs footballer David Ginola is hoping his natural athleticism will stand him in good stead for the endurance tests.

This year’s line-up has another football connection, with Frankie Bridge, singer with The Saturdays and a Loose Women panellist, following in the footsteps of husband Wayne, the ex-chelsea player, who was a contestant in 2016.

As Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle, actor Danny Miller has had his fair share of drama – prison, bullying, drug abuse – so he should be toughened up for the challenges. And there have been strong rumours that Danny’s to be joined in the castle by fellow soap stars Simon Gregson, Steve Mcdonald in Coronation Street, and Adam Woodyatt, Eastenders’ Ian Beale.

Food, or the lack of it, is always a hot topic with the campmates, and

‘cuisine’ with a Welsh flavour could well be on the menu. Last year, Vernon Kay was served locally sourced deer testicles to eat in one trial.

Sweeter treats will also be on offer. Contestants have a chance to buy them from Kiosk Cledwyn’s Ye Olde Shoppe with so-called Castle Coins. These are earned in challenges, which last year included wrapping presents while wearing mittens. But even with enough coins the treats are not yet secured. Grumpy Cledwyn will ring the phone box in the castle with a question for the contestants who haven’t taken part in the challenge. Get that right and the sweets will be released – if not Cledwyn’ll slam down the shoppe shutters! ■

Tim Oglethorpe I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts tomorrow at 9pm on ITV.

Presenters Ant and Dec with contestants (l-r) Richard Madeley, Louise Minchin, Danny Miller, Arlene Phillips, Frankie Bridge and David Ginola