Holly Willoughby will join Declan Donnelly as co-host of next series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here

ITV have confirmed that Holly Willoughby will co-host the next series of I’m a Celebrity.

The This Morning presenter said she “couldn’t be more excited” to be asked to join Declan Donnelly in the jungle in place of series regular Ant McPartlin.

She said: “I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery. These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit.

“I’m a huge fan of ‘I’m a Celebrity’ and actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show!”

She added: “When is it a good time to tell Dec I’m scared of everything that moves?”

Dec’s usual co-host, Ant, previously announced that he is stepping back from TV commitments and public appearances following a drink-driving conviction which saw him banned from the road for 20 months and fined £86,000.

Dec said: “I am hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year. She was at the top of my list and I’m thrilled she said yes.

“It will be a different kind of series but we will try our best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers.

“I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials!”

Plans for This Morning during Holly’s absence are yet to be announced, with I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returning to ITV this autumn.

Ant and Dec have presented the programme in the Australian jungle together since it began in 2002.