Arlene Phillips 'signs up for I'm A Celebrity'

1 October 2021

Dame Arlene Phillips is set to appear in this year's 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here'.

Dame Arlene Phillips

The 78-year-old star - who was a former judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' - will be the oldest-ever contestant on the ITV programme, and the first Dame.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "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."

Arlene will take over from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's dad Stanley Johnson, who was 77 when he took part in the programme in 2017, as the programme's oldest contestant ever.

And should she triumph on the show, which is returning to Wales for a second year, she wouldn't be the first person in their 70s to win, as Harry Redknapp was 71 when he was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018.

In August, ITV confirmed 'I'm A Celebrity' will be based from Gwrych Castle, Abergele in North Wales, once again this year.

The show usually takes place in Australia, but last year's programme was switched to Wales due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV 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."

Richard Cowles, Director of Unscripted at Lifted Entertainment, added: "With the continued uncertainty around covid and international travel we have taken the decision not to return to our home in Australia for the 2021 series.

"We’re excited to return to Gwrych Castle. The last series was a huge success and we were made to feel so welcome by everyone locally and can’t wait to see everyone again."