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Holly Willoughby confirmed to co-host I’m A Celebrity

She said she "couldn't be more excited" to host the show

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Holly Willoughby will be joining Dec Donnelly to host this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

It was announced earlier this month that Ant McPartlin will be taking the rest of the year off to focus on his recovery, therefore, he won’t be hosting the reality show.

A whole host of names were put in the frame to join Dec, including Scarlett Moffatt, Stephen Mulhern and Julia Morris, co-host of the Australian version of the show.

Holly Willoughby, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 - Press Day, London UK, 21 May 2018
Holly will be hosting I’m A Celeb alongside Dec (Credit: Splash / Brett D Cove)

Read more: ITV boss announces I’m A Celebrity… replacement has been chosen

But, viewers will now see This Morning presenter Holly take over hosting duties and the star has admitted she “couldn’t be more excited” to join Dec down under.

Holly, 37, said in a statement: “I couldn’t be more excited to have been asked to stand alongside Dec for the next jungle adventure. I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery.

“These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit. Honestly, I’m a huge fan of I’m a Celebrity and actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show.

“When is it a good time to tell Dec I’m scared of everything that moves.”

Meanwhile, Dec has said he’s “hugely grateful” that Holly agreed to join him on the show.

He gushed: “I am hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year.

“She was at the top of my list and I’m thrilled she said yes. It will be a different kind of series but we will try our best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers.

“I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials.”

It comes after Ant, 41, announced he won’t be returning to TV until next year.

Ant released a statement explaining he has decided to take the rest of the year off to focus on his recovery, following his stint in rehab for drink issues and painkiller addiction and his drink-drive arrest in March.

Holly Willoughby, Celebrities Arrive At The Glamour Women Of The Year Awards In Berkeley Square
Holly admitted she’s a huge fan of the show (Credit: FameFlynet)

Read more: Calls for Aussie presenter to replace Ant McPartlin

He said: “My recovery is going very well and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off.”

Dec admitted that he’s “sad” that Ant won’t be joining him but he’s “fully supportive” of his decision.

Are you glad Holly is joining Dec in the jungle? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)