Ian Hislop claims he turned down an invite to appear on this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
The Have I Got News for You team captain, 63, said during an interview on Times Radio on Friday that he had been asked to enter the Australian jungle camp on a number of occasions in past years.
However, he has always turned down the opportunity because he thought it would mean people saw him as ‘washed up’.
But this year Ian had another reason for not taking part in the series – he did not want to spend a possible three weeks living with former politician Nigel Farage, 59.
Journalist and satirist Ian did not speak favourably about Nigel’s appearance on the 2023 series, insisting: ‘Nigel is very boring television and everything is very disappointing.’
Ian Hislop claims he turned down an invite to appear on this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! (pictured in 2020)
After being asked in previous years, Ian hhad another reason for not taking part in the 2023 series – he did not want to spend three weeks living with former politician Nigel Farage, 59 (pictured)
Ian said: ‘I was invited to go on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this year. I mean, I have been asked a few years and I always think it’s a sign of whether I’m washed up or not.
‘It’s whether I get the call. And I got it this year so it’s probably all over.
‘And there was a moment I thought would I like to be around the campfire with Nigel? And then I thought, no.’
Ian went on to speak out on the general consensus he’d heard from people who had been watching Nigel on the show.
He said: ‘And again, they’re briefing at the moment that Nigel is very boring television and everything is very disappointing.
‘And they’d much rather have more people from soap operas on or influencers, or whatever.
‘I think the idea that politicians will liven up your programme may have just been deflated for good.’
Ian was then quizzed on what he would struggle with in the jungle and whether he would have trouble with ‘spiders, snakes or drinking camels’ anuses’.
It comes after I’m A Celebrity ‘s Josie Gibson reached the end of her tether with Nigel Farage after he stopped her from doing a Bushtucker Trial during Friday’s episode
Referring to Nigel who was previously leader of the Brexit Party, renamed Reform UK, Ian joked: ‘I think members of the Reform party.’
I’m A Celebrity’s Josie Gibson reached the end of her tether with Nigel Farage after he stopped her from doing a Bushtucker Trial during Friday’s episode.
Josie became camp leader by default following Danielle Harold’s departure and the This Morning host, 38, took a seat on her throne as JLS singer Marvin Humes, 38, brought news that the latest Bushtucker Trial was Christmas-themed.
Former Big Brother winner Josie jumped at the opportunity to do the trial only to be batted down by former politician Nigel, 59, who insisted that he had the experience needed to succeed having done a number of challenges earlier in the series.
But Nigel’s argument did not go down well with Josie, who insisted he simply wanted to do another trial because he wanted more airtime and needed ‘to prove himself to the nation’.
After Marvin informed the group of the trial, Josie said: ‘I’m going to do it. If you want me to do it, I’ll do it.’
Nigel, 59, insisted he had the experience needed to succeed having done a number of challenges earlier in the series
Former boxer Tony Bellew, 41, asked: ‘Are you going to be scared of anything that’s landed on you? Because right now we need stars?’
Josie said: ‘I’m scared of all of it… but you feel like you need to win stars and maybe I’ve not got the minerals.’
Nigel explained his reasons for wanting to go saying: ‘I did a lot of Bushtucker Trials in the early phases, you boys have now caught up. So it’s my turn. My turn, simple as that.’
Marvin said: ‘I’m happy to do it.’
Tony said: ‘I’m the same.’
Josie said: ‘I feel like I need to prove myself a bit now.’
Nigel said: ‘Josie, you don’t need to. You’ve got to go into this saying I’m not frightened of whatever they’re going to throw at me. If you can’t say… then you shouldn’t do it, is my view.’
Josie replied: ‘I was saying I want to prove myself and you were going, “You shouldn’t do it, you shouldn’t do it”.’
Marvin and Nigel were chosen to take part in the trial after JLS singer Marvin, 38, informed his campmates the challenge would be Christmas-themed
It comes after former politician Nigel told food critic Grace Dent, 50, before her departure, about his plan to reach a ‘new audience’ and get 25 percent more air time by doing trials
Nigel said: ‘You’re proving yourself by being here.’
Former Made In Chelsea cast member Sam Thompson, 31, said separately: ‘Josie, if you want to do it, you do it.’
Josie said: ‘No, it’s alright. Let Nige do it, he wants the air time.’
In the Bush Telegraph Josie said: ‘I should have fought my corner a bit more but he wants the airtime because he wants to prove himself to the nation.’
It comes after Nigel previously admitted he wanted to take part in trials to receive 25 per cent of the show’s airtime.
Last month, he told food critic Grace Dent, 50, before her departure, about his plan to reach a ‘new audience’.
He explained: ‘If you do the challenges, it’s 25 per cent of the airtime. I’m looking at reaching a whole new audience.’
Nigel looked disappointed as he waved off former campmate, YouTuber Nella Rose, 26, to take part in the No Time To Cry trial after she was voted by the public to do it.
Afterwards, Ant and Dec made a joke about Nigel’s comment, saying: ‘Shortly we’ll be going into camp to reveal who’ll be getting 25 per cent of the airtime tomorrow.’
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! continues Saturday 9 December at 9.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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 – LEFT!
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 – VOTED OUT!
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 – VOTED OUT!
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 – VOTED OUT!
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 – VOTED OUT!
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 – WALKED!
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 – WALKED!
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.
