The first contestant rumoured to be taking part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this year has landed in Australia just two weeks ahead of the launch of the ITV reality show.
The start date for the festive TV show was confirmed on Monday (November 6) during an ad break for the first instalment of Good Morning Britain this week. It revealed the show will return to the airwaves on Sunday November 19.
Confirmation of the I’m A Celebrity start date comes as the jungle campmates begin to make their way to Australia for the series. In the early hours of Monday morning, jockey Frankie Dettori was spotted in the heart of Australia after completing a big race winner in the US over the weekend.
Taking to social media on Sunday (November 5), the sportsman said: “Hi everyone, I am here in California at the moment. I will get on the plane after racing, I’m coming to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup.
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“Unfortunately, this year I’m suspended, so I can’t ride but I will support the Melbourne Cup carnival for the weeks, see some old friends riding and have a smashing time at the racing. Hopefully we see some good winners, so make sure you come and see us,” he teased.
(Image: ITV)
The 52-year-old was then seen making the media rounds across the prestigious Melbourne Cup meeting in Australia. The star was spotted hugging close friend and fellow jockey Damien Oliver before he gave some tips for upcoming races.
Dettori has landed in Oz long before any other rumoured contestants for I’m A Celebrity are expected to arrive. Traditionally, stars are flown to Australia one week before filming takes place.
But it is understood that he has TV work and promotional opportunities surrounding racing for most of this week. It is likely that the jockey will then take a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane where he will meet up with ITV execs and his cast-mates.
(Image: Getty Images)
Usually, stars will be placed in isolation for a week in the lead up to the show. Dettori has not confirmed he has signed up for I’m A Celebrity, but after this week it is thought his next big race will take place on Boxing Day.
This leaves the star plenty of time in his schedule to take part in the ITV reality show. ITV will not confirm the line up until closer to transmission in mid-November.
Other names who are expected to join Dettori on the show, include This Morning host Josie Gibson and Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. The ITV show will yet again be hosted by Geordie double act Ant and Dec which will hit the airwaves later this month.
(Image: Getty Images)
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Dettori had a 37-year riding career in the UK which came to an end last month when he won King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes. He surprised fans when he performed a late U-turn on his retirement plans to embark on a spell in the United States from next year.
At the weekend, the sportsman also managed to steal another win aboard Inspiral in the Gilly & Mare Turf race at the Breeders’ cup in America.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
