Tony Bellew’s wife says he went into the jungle as a tribute to his beloved nan.
Rose died last month, just 24 hours after he signed his I’m A Celebrity contract and the former boxer will fly back straight after the show to go to her funeral.
Rachael Bellew – who calls her husband Ant ‑ said: “Rose would be so, so proud of Ant. She was like a second mum to Ant. He absolutely idolised her. He called her the ‘boss of the family’. He is doing this for her and I know he will be thinking of her every day while he’s in there.”
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After singing Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E in the Jungle Arms, Tony said: “That was for my little nan.” The ring tough guy also showed his softer side by admitting he is scared of snakes. Rachael said: “It’s so funny because whenever we have been at the zoo with the kids, Ant always refuses to go in the reptile house. He always blames the heat in them, saying they are too hot, but I know better.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Taking to Instagram at the time, the former world champion issued a heartfelt tribute to the woman he described as a “second mother”, calling her “the boss of our house”. Bellew penned: “Goodnight Nan! I’ll love you forever girl.. An amazing mother to me Mum in what I can only imagine was a difficult time, You carried me and my 3 brothers like we was yours!
(Image: Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
“I can’t lie it was like having 2 Mums! You always put us straight and told us off! You was the boss of our house.. 97 years old! You was a lady and a boss right to the end.. I love you Nan.” Alongside the heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother, Bellew also posted a series of snaps of himself with her, with both of them beaming from ear to ear.
(Image: Instagram/tonybellew)
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Tony is currently still in the running to become King of the Jungle alongside Marvin Humes, Sam Thompson and Nigel Farage. Josie Gibson is the last woman left in camp. The winner will be revealed during Sunday’s (December 10) night’s final.
I’m a Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here! airs on ITV1 and ITVX nightly at 9pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
