Legendary TV presenter Richard Madeley is hoping viewers will vote for him in their droves to do plenty of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! trials.
The man who has scaled the heights of television presenting over the decades is a bit reluctant to walk a plank perched high up on a Welsh cliff top.
Reflecting on why he has finally accepted an offer to star in the new series after years of being asked, Richard explains he wants to find out what it feels like to be in the camp on a TV show that has become part of “British life”.
Richard says: “I’m A Celebrity is no longer just a TV programme. It’s become part of the fabric of British life and part of the countdown to Christmas.
“Judy and I talked about it and we realised we couldn’t find a reason for me not to do it. I slept on the offer and when I woke up the next day, I found myself feeling really excited that I was going to say yes. My children think it is hilarious!”
Richard, who has taken part in a few trials before as a guest on I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off ITV2 series, including lying down in a coffin with snakes, says the only challenge he is fearful of is the route he will have to take to get to Gwrych Castle, in Abergele.
“I spent many years on my grandparents’ farm in Shropshire,” he explains.
“I am used to animals, rats, so I’ve had all that knocked out of me. I don’t like heights though and what bothers me the most is the route into the castle.
“Maybe I will have to walk a plank over a 150ft open space. I am not looking forward to that. I know my head could say ‘do it’ and my body could freeze!
“But I really hope I do get voted for the trials. The thing about this programme is you mustn’t go into it if you take yourself remotely seriously.
“I don’t and I am thoroughly looking forward to being covered in god knows what! You have to be prepared for people to laugh and I see this as a bloody great romp of fun.”
Madeley says he can’t wait to get to know his campmates, including fellow morning TV presenter Louise Minchin, singer Frankie Sandford, Olympic diver Matty Lee, former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips and ex Newcastle United footballer David Ginola.
“I am going to be in my element talking to them,” he adds. “I will ask questions in camp. Unless you are curious, you don’t learn.”
Richard says many of his friends have taken part in the show over the years as well as his son-in-law, James Haskell.
“James hasn’t given me any advice because as he pointed out, it would be useless!” chuckles Richard. “I plan to just take each day as it comes.”
I’m A Celebrity, ITV, today, 9pm
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