Julie Goodyear snubs jungle

16-10-2006 12:00

Former 'Coronation Street' star Julie Goodyear has turned down a chance to appear on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' - because of her smoking habit.

The 64-year-old actress - who used to play Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in the hit soap - is petrified by the idea of not being able to smoke on the 24-hour flight to Australia, where the show is recorded.

She said: "I'm not spending that long without a cigarette for anybody. I'm not afraid of creepy-crawlies, I'm just afraid of not smoking for a full day."

The show's bosses are believed to have repeatedly begged the TV legend to change her mind, but she has so far refused to budge.

Other stars confirmed for the gruelling reality show this year, include Busted star Matt Willis and former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.

Meanwhile, pop singer Louise Redknapp, glamour model Michelle Marsh and former 'Hollyoaks' actress Gemma Atkinson are also rumoured to be wanted by bosses to take part.