ITV has officially announced the line-up for the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity, and it’s safe to say that there are some controversial and unexpected additions. Leading the charge is none other than the polarizing figure, Nigel Farage. The 59-year-old Brexiteer and former politician has long been a target for the show’s producers due to his divisive nature and potential to drive up ratings.
An insider revealed to The Sun ahead of the official announcement, “Nigel has been at the top of the wish-list for I’m A Celeb bosses for years. They’ve offered him a huge fee as they know he’ll drive up viewing figures. Ant and Dec will love this signing. Nigel’s the ultimate Marmite character and won’t hold back in camp discussions. It’s a real coup. The casting team has nailed it. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant series.”
Following the announcement, social media erupted with mixed reactions to the news. Many fans expressed disgust at the idea of Farage gracing their screens, with some even calling for a boycott of the show. However, despite the backlash, bookies have placed Farage with odds of 18/1 to win the series, making him a potential dark horse in the competition.
Joining Farage in the line-up are a diverse range of celebrities, including Britney Spears’ sister Jamie-Lynn Spears, journalist Grace Dent, This Morning anchor Josie Gibson, and TV foodie Fred Sirieix. Other notable additions include Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard, Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson, social media queen Nella Rose, EastEnders star Danielle Harold, and JLS member Marvin Humes.
As the line-up was revealed, bookies wasted no time in offering odds on each contestant’s chances of winning. According to William Hill, the early favorites to take home the title are Josie and Sam, who both have odds of 3/1. They are followed by Fred at 6/1, Lola star Danielle and Marvin, both with odds of 7/1.
A representative from William Hill stated, “Thompson is 3/1 to triumph in the 23rd edition of the ITV show alongside Josie Gibson, placing them ahead of Fred Sirieix (6/1) in the outright winner market. ITV have certainly pulled no punches with their selection for this winter’s series. The controversial Nigel Farage is priced at 14/1 to uncharacteristically receive support on foreign soil.”
The confirmation of the line-up has already sparked debates among fans, with some expressing their excitement while others are considering skipping this season due to certain cast members. Regardless of the mixed reactions, it’s clear that the anticipation for I’m A Celebrity 2023 is at an all-time high.
I’m A Celebrity 2023 is set to premiere on ITV on November 19, and the upcoming season is already shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable yet. Whether you are tuning in to support your favorite contestant or to witness the drama unfold, one thing is for sure – this season is not to be missed. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes gossip as the countdown to the jungle adventure begins.
