Dame Arlene Phillips 'signs up' for I'm A Celebrity
The 78 year-old would be the oldest contestant in the show's history
It's that time of year again! Now that the dark nights are creeping in and the temperatures are swiftly dropping, all thoughts are turning to the 2021 series of hit ITV show I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
After bosses confirmed the series would once again be taking place in North Wales this year, rumours are heating up as to which famous faces have signed up for the show, following Giovanna Fletcher being crowned the winner last December.
According to The Mirror, Strictly Come Dancing legend Dame Arlene Phillips is set to become to oldest contestant in history at the age of 78, signing up for this year's show.
A source told the publication: “Arlene is strong and tough and her energy is boundless.
“No doubt she’ll have the group dancing around the campfire in a bid to beat the cold and keep morale high. Should be fun.”
If the rumours are true, Arlene will also make history by becoming the first ever Dame to enter the jungle (or should we say castle).
After receiving a CBE in 2013, Arlene was honoured to become a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to dance and charity.
Check out which other celebs are rumoured for I'm A Celebrity 2021:
Alan Halsall
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has been in the rumour mill for a number of years now and it's understood he was due to appear in 2023, before picking up a nasty ACL injury which resulted in him needing major surgery. It's now being reported that bosses are keen to sign Alan for the 2024 show.
Olivia Attwood
As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.
However, after Olivia didn't appear in the 2023 series, could she feature on the 2024 line-up?
Phillip Schofield
After leaving his presenting role on This Morning in 2023, rumours were rife that Phillip Schofield could take part in the 2023 series. As fans will know, Phillip wasn't on the line-up, but with reports suggesting he's about to make a comeback to TV, could I'm A Celeb be the platform he needs to re-launch his career?
Alex Beresford
Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford has recently expressed interest in appearing on I'm A Celeb. He told the Mirror: "Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle."
Alex recently appeared on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World.
Danny Dyer
Since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders last year, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.
Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.
Denise van Outen
The lovely Denise van Outen is no stranger to reality shows, having appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.
Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, so will 2024 be her year?
Sam Aston
Coronation Street legend Sam Aston hinted he'd love to take part in the show in 2021.
Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, he said: "I've always said no to all of those shows, but then recently for some reason I've been more open to the idea. Jennie McAlpine and Andy Whyment did the jungle and both of them said it's the experience of a lifetime.
"If I was offered it I would be open to the idea and open to the extra pennies!"
The Vivienne
RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne recently admitted she would love to appear on I'm A Celeb during a chat with Lorraine.
She said: "Do you know what, I've never thought about it but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be."
Phil Taylor
Ever since he admitted he'd 'love' to appear on the show a number of years ago, darts legend Phil Taylor has been heavily rumoured every year. As he's not yet entered the jungle, could 2024 be his year?
Will Mellor
Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, it seems actor Will Mellor has the reality TV bug, as he's admitted to his friend and former co-star Ralf Little he'd fancy appearing on I'm A Celeb. Could 2024 be his year?
Richard Arnold
Good Morning Britain's entertainment presenter Richard Arnold is usually the one travelling over to Australia to report on the cast, but if rumours are to be believed, he could be taking part this year!
It was back in August that ITV confirmed the 2021 series would be returning to Gwrych Castle in Wales.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning, said: “We can confirm today that we’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
“We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the Covid situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there.
“I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”
At this stage, bosses are yet to confirm any celebs for the 2021 series.
I'm A Celebrity will return to ITV later in the year.
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