I’m keeping show warm for pal Ant

HOLLY Willoughby teamed up with Declan Donnelly for I’m A Celebrity – then urged Anthony McPartlin to “look after himself” so he can return to front the show again next year.

The This Morning host immediately started trying to forge some chemisty as part of the new duo fronting the reality show.

The pair posed for their first official snap, with Holly towering over her co-star while showing off some very tanned legs.

It is the first time since he began hosting the show in 2002 that Dec will front the series without his best pal Ant, who is recovering from drink and prescription drug addiction issues.

After flying Down Under from London, Holly said she was “really excited” about getting started on the ITV series.

She also said she had Ant’s blessing to take his place on the series, saying they had spoken and he was “absolutely fine” about her filling in with Dec.

In an interview with You Magazine, Holly went even further, saying: “Yes, we’ve spoken and he’s happy – he was part of the decision I’d do it.

“He just needs to look after himself – that’s the most important thing. He knows I’ll look after the show and keep it warm for him. I know that next year I won’t be in the jungle.”

Holly has known Dec for years after working together on ITV.

Yesterday they spent time hanging out with friends in the sun before having dinner together.

Referring to the closeness needed for a show like this, she said: “On I’m A Celebrity it’s important to have chemistry and to have a friendship as a starting point.”