Mike Tindall will reportedly enter the jungle next month, making him the first member of the Royal Family to star on ITV's I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!.
According to reports, the former England rugby player – who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Tindall – has signed up to compete on the show alongside the likes of musician Boy George, actor Danny Dyer, Great British Bake Off's Nadiya Hussain and DJ Chris Moyles.
The next season of the hit ITV series will premiere in November and will mark the first time the show has returned to the Australian jungle since the COVID-19 pandemic. The last two seasons saw contestants competing at Gwrych Castle in Wales. There's no official word on the I'm A Celeb... start date, but two dates that are on the table are Sunday 13 November and Sunday 20 November.
Details of Mike's reported deal with ITV remain a closely-guarded secret, but a source told The Sun: "It’s a massive coup. Mike has had a box seat for some of the most important moments in royal history for generations."
"He is sure to be discreet, but his sheer presence means this series will be an absolute must-watch," the insider added. ITV is yet to confirm the official lineup for the series, saying it would be announced "nearer transmission."
Mike shot to fame when he joined the English rugby team in 2000. Three years later, he helped the team win the World Cup and went on to score 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011.
Everyone's clicking on...
And it was through his rugby career that Mike met his now-wife, Zara. In 2003, Mike and Zara were introduced by Prince Harry at a pub in Sydney where the trio were celebrating the England rugby team's World Cup win. They quickly hit it off, eventually wedding in July 2011 and going on to welcome three children: Mia, Lena and Lucas.
Despite being recognisable amongst the royals at events such as the Queen's state funeral, Mike and Zara are not working royals – unlike, for example, Prince William and Kate Middleton – and therefore make their own way financially. However, they do live at Gatcombe, the Cotswolds estate of Zara’s mum, Princess Anne.
Erm, anyone else suddenly ~very~ excited for I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! to return?
