Rapper Aitch entered the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! jungle as a single man, having secretly ended his relationship with girlfriend Lois Cottam just weeks before the ITV show began. This revelation comes as his candid comments about fellow contestant and EastEnders actress Shona McGarty have set off a whirlwind of speculation about a potential jungle romance.
The Secret Split
The Mancunian artist, whose real name is Harrison Armstrong, had been in a relationship with Lois Cottam, a psychology student from Cheshire. A source close to the couple revealed that the pair decided to go their separate ways earlier in November, mere weeks before Aitch jetted off to Australia. "Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other, but they decided they are better off as friends," the insider stated.
The source further elaborated, confirming the split was amicable: "They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them. There’s no bad blood and she hopes he does well in the jungle." The couple's relationship, which reportedly began in May, had seen them travel together on romantic getaways to destinations including New York and the Greek island of Santorini.
Jungle Sparks Fly
The timing of the split has taken on new significance following the latest episodes of the hit ITV reality show. The romance rumours ignited during a conversation between Aitch and his best friend in the camp, YouTuber Angry Ginge. Aitch was heard confessing, "I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Shona, me."
When Ginge probed, "I think she's really nice, if that's what you mean, yeah?" Aitch candidly confirmed his interest, replying, "Yeah, that's what I mean..." This exchange did not go unnoticed by the show's legendary hosts, Ant and Dec.
Ant and Dec Weigh In
The presenting duo, always quick to spot a potential camp storyline, expressed their excitement at the budding connection. Declan Donnelly commented with surprise, "This came completely out of the blue this morning." His co-host, Ant McPartlin, added, "It's been a while since we've had a proper one on this show. We'd love to see it....we would celebrate it." Both hosts confirmed a crucial detail for the speculation: Aitch and Shona are both officially single.
With the stage set for a potential jungle romance, viewers will be watching closely to see if Aitch's soft spot for the EastEnders star develops into something more, all while his recent past with Lois Cottam remains firmly behind him.
