Tony Bellow has landed in the Australian jungle alongside a star-studded cast, including Jamie-Lynn Spears, Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson and Nigel Farage.
The boxer almost did not go down under as his grandmother tragically passed away last Sunday aged 97.
The former boxer, 40, is a late addition to this year’s series of the ITV show alongside Italian jockey Frankie Dettori.
Signed only days before the show was due to air, the World Champion was close to pulling out because his grandmother died the day after he signed the contract.
He said: ‘If I couldn’t have changed the funeral date I would have renegade. But I’m here now. She was in a home and told my mum: ‘I’ll be able to watch every night’. But I’m sure she’ll be watching wherever she is, whatever she’s doing.’
But who is Tony Bellew? MailOnline take a look into the life and relationship of the famous cruiserweight champion.
But who is Tony Bellew? The boxer has revealed he almost quit I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after his grandmother tragically passed away last Sunday aged 97
Family: Signed only days before the show was due to air, the World Champion was close to pulling out because his grandmother died the day after he signed the contract
Who is Tony Bellew?
Anthony Lewis Bellew was born in Toxteth, Liverpool on 30 November 1982.
The 40-year-old is a former WBC cruiserweight champion, who boasts an incredible boxing career.
He first turned professional in 2007 and also landed the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title from 2010 until 2014.
The fighter bowed out from the ring with 30 out of 34 wins in 2018, after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.
He has also made some appearances on the big screen, starring as Ricky Conlan – a fictional WBC Light Heavyweight Champion fighter – in the television series, Creed and Creed III.
In the film, Conlan played by Bellew, puts his title in danger as he faces of with Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan.
Bellew’s character, Conlan, is the first major British character in Rocky/Creed franchise. In the film, he puts his title on the line to go up against Adonis Creed,
In 2020, the fighter also took part in Channel 4’s reality TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins.
A year later he contributed to boxing in a different way, joining the commentary team for DAZN.
Rags to riches: Tony formerly worked as a nightclub bouncer. He boxed at an amateur level, and has since he has been paid millions to step in the ring with his net worth sitting at a healthy £9.6 million
What is Tony Bellew’s net worth?
Tony Bellew’s net worth reportedly sits at a healthy £9.6 million, according to Heart.
In his match with Ukrainian boxer, Oleksandr Usyk, the fighter bagged a whopping £4 million.
The star also famously squared up with renowned British boxer several times, one of which earned Bellew £2.8 million while the rematch made him £2.5 million.
The professional boxer revealed that he only started to make his fortune when he started going head to head with Haye, adding that he was ‘skint’ before he stepped in the ring with him.
Tony said he used to antagonise David before the fights and even though he beat him twice, he still thought his arch rival was the ‘better fighter’.
He told Josie: ‘If Liverpool or Manchester United played against Wrexham and Wrexham won, would you consider Wrexham the better team?’
Back in 2018 Tony won his rematch with David in the fifth round at the 02 Arena.
Childhood sweethearts: Tony Bellow married Rachel Roberts in 2018, with the pair first meeting when they were only nine years old (pictured in 2017)
Who is Tony Bellew’s wife?
Tony Bellew married childhood sweatheart, Rachael Roberts, in July 2018 in a ceremony at Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle.
The lovebirds first met each other at the age of nine, according to The Sun.
Although, the two did grow up together in Merseyside, they didn’t meet again until they were 18-years-old.
Bellew pursued Rachael when he nightclub bouncer, and was rejected by his future wife a total of three times.
Eventually, they decided to go on a first date to a cinema, with Rachael warning the pro boxer that if he was not a perfect gentleman he would have ruined his only chance, The Sun reports.
Rachael loyally stayed by his side ever since their first date at the cinema, through his stint as an amateur fighter – when he would only take home £100 a fight – before he turned professional in 2007.
The couple share three children Corey, Cobey and Carter, however little is known about the boxer’s brood.
Family man: Rachael and Tony share three boys together. (Pictured: Tony Bellew, Rachael Roberts and their children attend the European Premiere of Creed III in 2023)
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
FRANKIE DETTORI
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
TONY BELLEW
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.
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