With just weeks to go until I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts filming, the question on everybody’s lips is whether Ant McPartlin will be well enough to take part.
We all know poor Ant has endured a difficult time lately as he continues to recover from his addiction battles and recent stint in rehab.
He’s currently, and understandably, taking time out of the limelight and laying low in Los Angeles, where he can focus on his health and well-being away from the pesky paparazzi.
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But, of course, it’s led to speculation that Ant, 41, may not be ready to join long-time TV partner and best pal Declan Donnelly, 42, when I’m A Celebrity kicks off production in November.
Well, fans have been left feeling pretty positive about Ant’s return because of comments made by spinoff show co-host, Joel Dommett, in a new interview.
Joel, 31, didn’t outright say Ant would be back in time for filming, but he did refer to working alongside both Ant & Dec, which fans have taken as a positive sign.
He told The Mirror he was looking forward to working with Ant & Dec, adding: “They’re good guys and it’ll be fun to be with them.”
Them being the key phrase that has excited fans.
Joel added: “We head there on November 12 and then we’re there for the whole thing, which will be weird from the other side.”
In another chat with Daily Star, he said: “Obviously I’d love to see Ant and Dec be together as a team on I’m A Celeb.
“It’d be weird splitting them up. It’d be like splitting up bits and bobs.
“You can’t have bits without bobs.”
Joel is a new addition to this year’s I’m A Celebrity spinoff, Extra Camp, coming in alongside fellow newbie Scarlett Moffat to join stalwart host Joe Swash.
While fans are eager for Ant to return because, let’s face it, I’m A Celebrity without Ant would be downright odd, his return would also, obviously, mean he’s on the mend.
And at the end of the day, all anyone wants is Ant fighting fit again, right?
There has been no official announcement from I’m A Celeb about Ant’s progress, but a source told the Daily Mail last week that Ant has “no plans to give up his hosting role” – despite widespread reports that Caroline Flack, 37, was being tipped to replace him.
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An insider backed that up to Sunday Mirror, saying: “With his commitment and new-found strength, those close to him believe he will be back on TV in November.
“It’s something he is working towards and focusing on.”
Take care of yourself, Ant.