I’m A Celebrity’s new recruit Adam Woodyatt has given the clearest hint yet that he has quit EastEnders.
The actor has been on the BBC One soap since its launch 36 years ago playing Ian Beale.
He asked for “time out” a year ago and now instead of returning to Albert Square, he is popping up on ITV’s reality show which has led to speculation he has left Walford for good.
Accompanied by Coronation Street legend Simon Gregson, the soap stars are set to take on Thursday’s Bushtucker trial as they enter the castle on Thursday in an effort to bring home some food for their new campmates.
Asked if he was going back to EastEnders, he said: “Look I don’t know the answer.
“It is also not just my decision. It’s the BBC’s decision. It’s a timing decision.
“There are lots of factors that come into it and the honest answer is I don’t know.”
However, when asked if he was anything like the soap’s annoying entrepreneur, he referred to him in the past tense.
(Image: BBC)
He said: “That was a character that I played. I don’t think I am like him.
“That was the previous job and that was a character.”
And when pressed about his next career move, Adam, 53, who is estranged from his wife Beverley, added: “I’m just quite happy doing what I’m doing at the moment, which is doing I’m a Celeb.
“I’m doing the Peter James (touring play) Looking Good Dead.
“I’m just taking it as it comes along. There is no plan. Yeah, I’ll just see where things take me.”
By contrast, Adam’s co-star Simon Gregson – who will be seen in camp with him on Thursday night’s show – has no desire to leave Corrie.
He has played seven times wed Steve McDonald on the ITV soap for the past 32 years.
(Image: ITV)
Simon said: “I am absolutely not leaving. I believe I am extremely blessed with where I work.
“I reckon it is a job for life. I just enjoy going there and it pays the mortgage.”
He added: “I just hope there are no more marriages for Steve as it takes about 70 years to film a wedding and cannot be bothered with more weddings.”
Although Adam claims he is nothing like his sometimes blunt-and-insensitive soap character, he did make a classic Beale quip when asked if he would win I’m A Celebrity.
He said: “Oh God, I’m not going to win it. Frankie Bridge has got too many followers on Instagram, she’s already won it I think.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk