Alan Shearer reveals he'll never sign up for I'm A Celebrity because of Ian Wright

Alan Shearer once said that his ex-Match of the Day co-host Ian Wright had convinced him not to take part in I'm A Celebrity, after the latter took part in the show's 19th series

Ian Wright's stint in I'm A Celebrity was enough for Alan Shearer to decide he would never take part in the reality show.

The pair once held the helm of BBC's Match of the Day, until Ian Wright left the programme for pastures new, announcing his exit from the show in late 2023. In 2019, the presenter was one of the stars who headed Down Under for series 19 of I'm A Celebrity, won by EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa.

Though he didn't win the series, Ian, 61, still managed to remain in the jungle until the 18th day as he was the fifth person to be eliminated from the reality show. But following his participation, his TV pal Alan Shearer revealed he had been "convinced" to never take part in the programme.

Speaking to Betfair, Alan, 54, said: "Ian Wright has convinced me to never go on I'm a Celebrity", which prompted him to guess which pundit would be perfect to star in the series as speculation around this year's line-up continues.

"I’m a Celeb is due to start later this month and other than Wrighty, who we know has been in the jungle - and he's told me all about it and how he won't be going back in - there's only Micah Richards of my punditry colleagues I could see in there! If it was between him or Martin Keown, it would have to be Micah Richards."

Alan added: "He could be the King of the Jungle, and it would sure be entertaining seeing him in there", and doubled down: "I can't see myself going in there though, absolutely not!"

The star-studded show is due back on our screens on Sunday, November 17, 2024, with a fresh batch of celebrities set to ditch their lavish lifestyles for the jungle in the hopes to be crowned a winner, much like Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson last year.

For several months, a multitude of stars have been suspected to take part in this year's I'm A Celebrity, from boyband stars to reality TV royalty. However, The Mirror exclusively revealed recently that boxing legend Barry McGuigan will be part of the line-up after Ally McCoist dropped out.

Bosses have also reportedly signed with Coleen Rooney for the upcoming series and are hoping she could spill the beans on her legal battle with Rebekah Vardy. However, the WAG will not be up for every trial in the show due to a health issue allegedly triggered by the Wagatha case.

The 38-year-old suffers from reactive arthritis, which affects joints and can be set off due to stress. She previously said the bitter legal battle she faced had triggered a crippling bout of the condition. Now, execs from the hit series are said to be trying to ensure she is kept happy and healthy.

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