It’s an absolute staple of the winter TV schedule.
I’m a Celebrity is back, and will hit UK screens from November 17. With Ant McPartlin joining his old chum Declan Donnelly on presenting duties, it’s already got that classic jungle feel.
The initial group of eleven campmates has been revealed, and already the bookies have released their odds based on the personalities heading into a world of Bushtucker trials, creepy crawlies and questionable meals in mess trays.
Here’s your quick guide to the runners and riders for I’m a Celebrity 2019:
- Ian Wright (5/2) – The former Arsenal striker turned pundit will be following in a decent lineage of sporting stars to flourish in Australia, with Harry Redknapp, Phil Tufnell and Carl Fogarty being crowned king of the jungle in the past.
- James Haskell (13/2) – Another former sporting ace, Haskell is now a pundit and occasional MMA fighter who is dating the daughter of Richard & Judy.
- Roman Kemp (13/2) – The son of Spandau Ballet singer Martin is a celeb in his own right, hosting a daily radio show on Capital FM. Will be hoping his listeners ring in to vote in their droves.
- Andrew Whyment (7/1) – The Coronation Street actor is known as something of a funny man away from the cameras, and he could be a dark horse for the crown and sceptre this winter.
- Jacqueline Jossa (9/1) – The former Eastenders actress boasts a huge social media following, and she is more widely known these days for her tabloid-happy marriage to reality TV star Dan Osborne.
- Caitlyn Jenner (5/2) – The Kardashians know a thing or two about reality TV, and Caitlyn Jenner – former partner of matriarch Kris Jenner – will be looking to make her own mark away from the famous family.
- Andrew Maxwell (16/1) – The little know comedian will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Joel Dommett, who was runner-up back in 2016.
- Kate Garraway (16/1) – It’s a surprise to see the Good Morning Great Britain host available at such long odds given her likeable personality and large following of viewers. A dark horse for sure.
- Nadine Coyle (16/1) – She was known as the ‘quiet one’ of Girls Aloud, and having disappeared off the celebrity radar the Irish beauty may have her work cut out getting the viewers on side.
- Myles Stephenson (18/1) – Something of a cult favourite from his work with Rak-Su, who won the 2017 edition of the X Factor, Stephenson will be hoping that lighting strikes twice and he becomes reality TV royalty.
- Adele Roberts (20/1) – Arguably the most unknown quantity of the group, Roberts is a host on Radio One. Do that station’s viewers tune in to the ITV show? It seems unlikely.
How to Pick a Reality TV Winner
Let’s have a look at the list of the last ten I’m a Celebrity winners to see what we can find:
Year | Name | Occupation |
---|---|---|
2018 | Harry Redknapp | Football Manager |
2017 | Georgia Toffolo | Reality TV |
2016 | Scarlett Moffatt | Reality TV |
2015 | Vicky Pattinson | Reality TV |
2014 | Carl Fogarty | Superbike Racing |
2013 | Kian Egan | Singer |
2012 | Charlie Brooks | Actress |
2011 | Dougie Poynter | Musician |
2010 | Stacey Solomon | TV Presenter |
2009 | Gino D’Acampo | Chef/TV Presenter |
2008 | Joe Swash | Actor |
As you can see, in the old days it was the ‘trades’ – TV, singers, actors – that dominated the rollcall of I’m a Celeb champions, but there has definitely been a real sea-change towards reality TV stars of late.
But those have come from the UK – Caitlyn Jenner is much more famous in the US, so that trend could end in 2019.
Usually, it’s endearing personalities that prevail – Redknapp, Toffolo, Moffatt and more fit the bill, and while there are a few that tick that box in this field wagers on Haskell, who will win plenty of female admirers, and Whyment look to be the smart bets here.