...but Holly will stay on as Celeb hostess
JUNGLE bosses want Holly Willoughby to star on I’m A Celebrity next year – even if Ant McPartlin returns.
Executives are desperate to lure her back because she’s been such a hit with viewers co-hosting with Declan Donnelly.
The show’s ratings have hit an all-time high and tonight’s final is being tipped to reach 15 million viewers.
So even if it means Holly, 37, becoming a trio with Ant and Dec, I’m A Celeb producers want to find a way to make it work.
A show insider said: “Holly has done a great job. Many presenters would have crumbled under the pressure of joining such a big show, but Holly stepped up to the plate.
“The top people at ITV are really keen to get her back next year.”
Holly was drafted in to replace Ant, who has put his TV career on hold to battle addictions to painkillers and alcohol.
Our insider added: “The original plan was for Holly to stand in while Ant was off, then hand the baton back. But she’s been such a success producers are keen to keep her whatever happens.”
ITV chiefs have already had back room meetings and it is expected they will make her a big money offer next March.
A TV source said: “It’s no surprise ITV are looking to get Holly back next year.
“It now depends on whether or not she wants to do another series. Being in Australia for five weeks is a big commitment.
“She has her family to think about and This Morning.”
I’m A Celebrity bosses feared splitting up Ant and Dec, both 43, would make viewing figures nosedive. But with Holly on board they have jumped by almost two million viewers.
The first week averaged 13.1million — putting the series on course to be the biggest in its history. Ratings for tonight’s final are set to be sky high. An industry expert said: “It’s highly possible viewing figures will hit 15 million. This series has had so many fantastic characters. Viewers can’t get enough.”
Last night camp mates, including Harry Redknapp, Fleur East, Emily Atack and John Barrowman enjoyed chocolate treats and a kangaroo meat dinner.