I’m A Celebrity’s Babatúndé Aléshé PULLS OUT of first challenge while Charlene White plummets off a 52-storey building in terrifying Walk The Plank trial
- The Geordie duo were seen filming their grand arrival to greet a selection of this year’s stars during the series’ launch, which will air on Sunday
- Leading this year’s lineup are rugby star Mike Tindall, 80s hitmaker Boy George, Love Island star Olivia Attwood and DJ Chris Moyles, with the stars donning their best jungle attire
- ITV bosses have confirmed to MailOnline that this year’s show, which returns to Australia for the first time in two years following the global pandemic, will be the toughest ever – with 24 trials to face in 21 shows
- I’m A Celebrity begins on Sunday, November 6 2022 at 9pm with a 105 minute special. It will then air every night of the week and both weekend nights after the launch – all at 9pm
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! kicked off in shocking fashion on Friday as one star pulled out of the very first trial of the series.
In scenes that will air during Sunday’s launch show, comedian Babatúndé Aléshé was unable to confront his fear of heights and was unable to take part in the Walk The Plank trial which traditionally kicks off the series.
As the show returned to Australia for the first time since the Covid pandemic so did the terrifying Walk The Plank challenge that saw campmates dangling in the air atop a 32-storey building in the Gold Coast.
In a new twist this year there was the addition of a third platform for celebrities to dare the skywalk and the task was renamed The Ledge.
Terrifying: I’m A Celebrity’s Babatúndé Aléshé pulled out of the first challenge while Charlene White plummeted off a 52-storey building in the terrifying Walk The Plank trial that will be shown on Sunday’s launch show episode
Previous years have seen celebrities compete for more luxury when they enter camp by walking towards the star at the end of the platform, leading many stars to face their crippling fear of heights.
Yet Babatúndé, 34, fell at the first hurdle and after a 45 minute deliberation was unable to complete the task, despite watching Jill Scott and Charlene White take on the challenge.
An onlooker told The Sun: ‘Babetunde was really struggling during The Ledge and everyone felt for him.
‘Jill and Charlene were being really encouraging of Babetunde but to no avail. He stood there thinking and willing himself to do it for almost an hour but in the end he chose not to do it.’
On the move: As the show returned to Australia for the first time since the Covid pandemic so did the terrifying Walk The Plank challenge that saw campmates dangling in the air atop a 32-storey building in the Gold Coast
Watching on: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly seemed sympathetic to the celebrities plight as they took on the challenge, but Babatúndéé, 34, fell at the first hurdle and after a 45 minute deliberation was unable to complete the task
Like previous years, the celebrities will be split into two teams where they will compete for the chance to spend their first night in a slightly better camp than the others.
It came hours after Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly arrived in style to greet this year’s 10 celebrity campmates – who will be tasked with a record 24 gruelling trials in the jungle.
The Geordie duo appeared in high spirits as they waved to stars such as Olivia Attwood, Jill Scott and Chris Moyles from a small wooden speed boat.
Take the plunge: In a new twist this year there was the addition of a third platform for celebrities to dare the skywalk and the task was renamed The Ledge – with Charlene and Babatunde on the platform
Eeek! Charlene and Jill were flung off the edge of the platform after showcasing their nerves of steel on the walk
An onlooker revealed: ‘Babetunde was really struggling during The Ledge and everyone felt for him. ‘Jill and Charlene were being really encouraging of Babetunde but to no avail. He stood there thinking and willing himself to do it for almost an hour’
They continued: ‘Jill and Charlene were being really encouraging of Babetunde but to no avail. He stood there thinking and willing himself to do it for almost an hour but in the end he chose not to do it’
Terrified: They all looked fearful as they watched on from the building roof
Taking the plunge: Charlene threw herself off the building without any fear as she took on the challenge
Argh! The 52-storey building in the Gold Coast was the location for the first challenge of the series
Also at the luxury villa waiting for Ant and Dec was comedian Babatúndé Aléshé – as the show is set to make an epic return to Australia for the first time since the Covid pandemic.
The celebrities looked uneasy as they spotted the presenting duo approach the shore while they enjoyed their last last luxury meal before heading into camp.
Leading this year’s lineup are rugby star Mike Tindall, 80s hitmaker Boy George, Love Island star Olivia and DJ Chris, with the stars donning their best jungle attire for first look snaps ahead of the show’s return on November 6.
Here comes trouble: Ant and Dec arrived in style to greet this year’s 10 celebrity campmates – who will be tasked with a record 24 gruelling trials in the Australian jungle
Stars: The Geordie duo appeared in high spirits as they waved to stars such as Olivia Attwood, Jill Scott and Chris Moyles from a small wooden speed boat
Beaming: Ant and Dec looked effortlessly cool as they donned black sunglasses while arriving on the boat
Tough: ITV bosses have confirmed to MailOnline that this year’s show, which returns to Australia for the first time in two years following the global pandemic on Sunday, will be the toughest ever for celebrities – with 24 trials to face in 21 shows
Coming soon: The new series of I’m A Celebrity, the first to air in Australia since 2019, has been hotly anticipated
Joining them will be Hollyoaks star Owen Warner, Loose Women’s Charlene White, A Place In The Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas, Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, comedian Babatúndé Aléshé and retired England Lioness Jill Scott.
It was revealed on Tuesday that Matt Hancock is also heading to the Australian jungle as a surprise late arrival.
The MP, who quit as Health Secretary after cheating on his wife during the pandemic with long-term aide Gina Coladangelo, will become the 12th celebrity heading Down Under.
After playing a central role in coordinating the government’s response to Covid, Mr Hancock’s political career has flagged of late, and last week he was snubbed by Rishi Sunak after the new PM dodged his attempt at a greeting outside Tory HQ.
Bond boys: Ant and Dec were spotted speeding towards the mansion on the boat to greet this year’s celebrities
Shocked: The celebrities looked uneasy as they saw the presenting duo approach the shore as they enjoyed their last luxury meal before heading into camp
Hosts: Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their tree house, which has been rebuilt and modernised this year
Arrival: Ant donned a black and white patterned shirt, while Dec wore a navy blue shirt as they walked off the pier to meet the celebs
Exciting: Later in the day, the stars were then spotted heading off to the helicopters that will fly them into the jungle
Keeping it casual: Olivia Attwood rocked up in a crisp white shirt paired with camouflage print trousers and chunky boots
Jungle fever: Olivia seemed to be feeling the heat and kept hydrated with a small bottle of water
On the move: Chris Moyles was seen making his way to the helicopter alongside members of the production crew
Getting ready: Olivia and Chris were seen chatting away before they got ready for their helicopter ride
Loving life: Olivia seemed in high spirits as she waited to board her helicopter
Ready to go: Jill stood out from the crowd in a pair of hot pink trousers, teamed with a black shirt and white Nike trainers
Having fun: Jill and Babatunde had a quick run around in between shooting scenes
Nervous: Retired England Lioness Jill Scott appeared anxious as she was helped into the chopper
Task: Jill sat with her headphones on staring ahead while the camera crew caught her reaction on film
He becomes the latest in a long list of political figures to try their luck on the ITV reality show, including MPs Nadine Dorries and Lembit Opik, and Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley
ITV bosses have confirmed to MailOnline that this year’s show, which returns to Australia for the first time in two years following the global pandemic on Sunday, will be the toughest ever for celebrities – with 24 trials to face in 21 shows.
Speaking from the Australian jungle, executive producer, Olly Nash, said: ‘We are filming more than we’ve ever done before and there will be more elements over more shows.
She’s ready! The former football star couldn’t contain her excitement as she prepared to board the chopper
Coming soon: Speaking from the Australian jungle, executive producer, Olly Nash, said: ‘We are filming more than we’ve ever done before and there will be more elements over more shows’
Iconic: Once again, Ant and Dec will be hosting the series, and have already been spotted arriving on the Gold Coast to commence filming
‘In Wales we couldn’t really do stuff that was outside because of the weather and the big storm but this year we can be outside again.
‘We have more big rigs; we have more big, slimy, dirty trials, and a lot more competitive trials. There are 24 this year and there are 21 shows.
‘On the last day the final three each take on a trial. Cyclone is absolutely back.’
Cast: (L-R) Mike Tindall, Owen Warner, Olivia Attwood, Charlene White, Boy George, Scarlette Douglas, Sue Cleaver, Chris Moyles, Babatúndé Aléshé and Jill Scott have been unveiled as the I’m A Celebrity 2022 lineup
Unexpected: It was revealed on Tuesday that Matt Hancock is also heading to the Australian jungle as a surprise late arrival
Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their tree house, which has been rebuilt and modernised this year, and the famous red bridge, where celebrities reunite with friends and family after being booted off the show, also returns.
The I’m A Celeb set has been under construction since August and a total of 700 people, 600 of which are Australian locals, work on the show.
But bosses say the expense of building the camp doesn’t compare to the cost of running the series every day for a month live from Australia.
I’m A Celebrity begins on Sunday, November 6 2022 at 9pm with a 105 minute special. It will then air every night of the week and both weekend nights after the launch – all at 9pm.
I’M A CELEBRITY 2022: THE FULL LINEUP
BOY GEORGE
BOY GEORGE
AGE: 61
CLAIM TO FAME: Legendary pop star
PHOBIAS: Being scared
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, I am going straight into the jungle from playing at various festivals and gigs
ROLE IN THE CAMP: In-house dietician reassuring everyone that they will be ok on the jungle diet. And entertainer – I will sing!
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a very positive person and I don’t bear any grudges
DREAM CAMPMATE: It would be funny if my ex, Jon Moss, comes on the programme -but I don’t think that will happen!
CHRIS MOYLES
CHRIS MOYLES
AGE: 48
CLAIM TO FAME: Radio DJ
PHOBIAS: I am petrified of heights. I ended up carrying the bags when we took my girlfriend’s niece once to Go Ape as I am so petrified!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? A friend’s birthday, a wedding, and Leeds United matches
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer. Hopefully I can help shorten everyone’s boredom.
BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hiding food! I am going to fly out early and sneak into the jungle and hide pot noodles everywhere, then I will be everyone’s best friend!
DREAM CAMPMATE: Ant and Dec…let’s see how they cope for 24 hours!
SUE CLEAVER
SUE CLEAVER
AGE: 59
CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street
PHOBIAS: Don’t be ridiculous! I am not going to admit to what I fear most!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Coronation Street and we are expecting another grandchild any day, so hopefully it will arrive before I fly out to Australia.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will be more of a mum – that is where I will naturally fit.
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I am a good listener, so hopefully I will be a friendly ear for everyone.
DREAM CAMPMATE: Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold. He is my TV husband and it would be lovely to have an ally in camp!
SCARLETTE DOUGLAS
SCARLETTE DOUGLAS
AGE: 35
CLAIM TO FAME: Presenter of A Place In The Sun
PHOBIAS: Spiders. There is no point in lying about it! I’ve got an irrational fear about them
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Just a holiday which I can postpone
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum, cook and morale booster. I always like to look at the positive side in life
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I will be good at making sure everything is tidy in camp
DREAM CAMPMATE: Mo Gilligan. He is hilarious and I totally fancy him!
BABATÚNDÉ ALÉSHÉ
BABATÚNDÉ ALÉSHÉ
AGE: 36
CLAIM TO FAME: Comedian
PHOBIAS: I am scared of absolutely everything. Snakes, rats – I am fearful of them all and I am dreading the trials
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I was going on tour but we’ve postponed it now until next year
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Tension breaker. If I can break tension anywhere it starts up in the camp, then I will do that. We don’t need to be bickering as it will be a first-time experience for everyone
BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hopefully I will bring some humour to the camp
DREAM CAMPMATE: I am a big Arsenal fan and so any ex-Arsenal player would be great. I am looking forward to chatting to Ant & Dec about football
MIKE TINDALL
MIKE TINDALL
AGE: 44
CLAIM TO FAME: Rugby Union player and married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall
PHOBIAS: I haven’t admitted to having any phobias but in a weird way, I am looking forward to taking part in the trials!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My podcast series and the rugby Internationals this autumn
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Morning motivator. I would like to see everyone get on well and us all have a great experience
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a positive person
DREAM CAMPMATE: Samuel L Jackson would be cool. He has lived the life!
OWEN WARNER
OWEN WARNER
AGE: 23
CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Romeo Nightingale in Hollyoaks
PHOBIAS: Snakes!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I am a big fan of football so I will miss watching the start of the World Cup
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer and games coordinator
BEST ATTRIBUTE: It is definitely not my cooking skills or brains!
DREAM CAMPMATE: Any of the Leicester City starting 11!
CHARLENE WHITE
CHARLENE WHITE
AGE: 42
CLAIM TO FAME: ITV newsreader and Loose Women anchor
PHOBIAS: I am not sure what my fear factor will be because I’ve never had rodents, spiders and snakes crawling all over me!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My children’s annual school ball which I am gutted about
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum and cook. I don’t mind falling into that position
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I like to listen and talk. I love learning about people and I have a natural curiosity for people
DREAM CAMPMATE: Colin Murray and Richard Osman
JILL SCOTT
JILL SCOTT
AGE: 35
CLAIM TO FAME: Retired England Lioness
PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats and the thought of being underground fills me with fear!
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? The Men’s World Cup. I am going to find it weird not being able to know how the men are getting on in the tournament. Hopefully they will still be in the tournament when I come out of the jungle
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Helping hand. I like to help people if they aren’t having a good day
BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hard worker. I will always find a way to add value. I am also very honest
DREAM CAMPMATE: Another sports person would be great as it would be someone to bounce ideas off.
OLIVIA ATTWOOD
OLIVIA ATTWOOD
AGE: 31
CLAIM TO FAME: Love Island star
PHOBIAS: I hate the dark so I’m keen to avoid any challenges in the darkness
MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, had the show been on air any later, I could have missed my sister’s wedding
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Clown. I was always the class clown at school and I love having a laugh
BEST ATTRIBUTE: I don’t take myself seriously and I have got a good sense of humour
DREAM CAMPMATE: A pop legend like Dolly Parton who has amazing stories to tell
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