EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celeb’s Gillian McKeith reveals a married jungle co-star once said he’d “date her”, as she talks cast clashes and the big names she wants in camp next
15:37, 05 Dec 2025
(Image: PA)
I’m A Celebrity legend Gillian McKeith has lifted the lid on her past jungle drama and claimed a married co-star once said he “wouldn’t mind dating” her after the show.
The TV star, who famously appeared on the hit I’m A Celeb series alongside Happy Mondays icon Shaun Ryder in 2010 and then again for All Stars in 2023, reflected on their fiery clashes and unexpected full-circle friendship. Despite their infamous rows, Gillian says the pair ended up getting on so well that Shaun later hinted he’d date her before quickly adding that he was married to his wife Joanne sine 2010.
Gillian spoke exclusively to Daily Star in collaboration with Casino.org: “You need a little bit of something going on, whether it’s somebody getting together with somebody, like a romance happening, or somebody not getting along and then maybe coming full circle like me and Shaun Ryder.
I’m A Celeb’s Shaun Ryder and Gillian McKeith booted off in brutal elimination twist(Image: I’m A Celeb’s Shaun Ryder and Gillian McKeith booted off in brutal elimination twist)
“We didn’t get along the first time, but we came full circle. He even did interviews after the show, the first time around, saying he wouldn’t mind dating me, but he’s married.” Daily Star has reached out to Shaun’s reps for comment.
The 66-year-old star said she believes the success of I’m A Celebrity depends entirely on casting the right personalities and allowing sparks to naturally fly. Asked whether it was time for ITV to shake up the classic format, Gillian didn’t hesitate: “Should they change the format of the original one in Australia? I don’t think so. I’m of the philosophy: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. And it seems to keep going.”
When it comes to who she’d like to see in the jungle next, Gillian admitted she’s struggling to think of big names who haven’t already taken part. “Who hasn’t done it? Who are they going to ask now? Somebody like Harry Styles is not going to do it, he doesn’t need the money or the fame,” she laughed. “It’d be nice to see Olivia Attwood go back in for a second chance.”
(Image: ITV)
Gillian also revealed her daughter Afton is keen to sign up. “I think there should be a version for our kids, the next generation. And can we put Robbie Williams in?”
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