Declan Donnelly, one half of the beloved presenting duo Ant & Dec, has shared a startling story about an unexpected intruder at their lodge during the filming of I'm A Celebrity South Africa. The incident occurred as the pair are currently in the region hosting the latest series of the ITV programme, which features a lineup of 12 celebrities including Gemma Collins, Sinitta, Seann Walsh, and Sir Mo Farah, all competing for victory.
Nocturnal Primate Causes a Mess
During a recent episode of their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, Anthony McPartlin, 50, prompted Declan by asking, "Didn't you have a bush baby in your room?" Bush babies are small, nocturnal primates known for their agile movements and large eyes. In response, Declan, also 50, detailed the peculiar encounter that left him baffled.
He explained that his lodge featured a thatched roof, and upon returning from work one day, he discovered an unusual scene. "In my lodge was a thatched roof, and I came back from work and my fruit bowl — there was an orange on the side — and it had been half peeled, and there was wee on the worktop," Declan recounted. Initially confused, he sought clarification from one of the crew members who pick them up for filming.
Explaining the Bush Baby Behavior
Declan described how he showed the mess to the crew member, saying, "'Have you seen this? Looks like wee on the side and my fruit's had a go at.'" The crew member quickly identified the culprit, responding, "'Oh, you've got bush babies. They live in the thatched roof and they come down and they come at your fruit, have a wee and then they go again.'" This revelation highlighted the wild and unpredictable nature of filming in South Africa's natural environment.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights from Ant & Dec
This bush baby incident is not the only behind-the-scenes anecdote Ant & Dec have shared recently. Their podcast has become a platform for the duo to discuss their televisual adventures more openly, offering fans glimpses into the hilarious and sometimes awkward moments they've experienced with famous personalities over the years.
Notably, earlier this year, they reflected on meeting King Charles when he was still the Prince of Wales in the early 2000s. The interview, conducted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Prince's Trust — now known as the King's Trust — took place at Highgrove House. Declan recalled how Charles suggested chatting off-camera before the formal interview to get acquainted.
A Royal Tea-Time Distraction
As a result, the future monarch invited them in for tea. However, Declan admitted he became distracted by the etiquette of the situation. "So, we went in, sat in this room, and he came in and shook our hands and we sat down and they brought in this massive tray with a big teapot, teacups on it, biscuits and stuff, and we sat there and he's talking to us," he said.
Declan continued, "I'm sitting there going, 'Who's going to pour the tea? He's not going to do it. Do we do it? Are we supposed to do this? Should one of us just dive in?' I was really distracted. 'Has this been left for us to do because he's not going to do it? So have we got to do this?' I was really distracted through the whole thing. I kind of wasn't listening to what he was saying because I was too worried." This humorous recollection showcases the relatable anxieties even celebrities face in formal settings.
Filming Adventures in South Africa
Declan's comments about the bush baby intruder came just ahead of Ant & Dec's travels to South Africa to film the I'm A Celebrity spin-off series. The show, which promises more wild encounters and celebrity challenges, is set to return to screens at 9pm tonight on ITV. As the duo continue to share these behind-the-scenes stories, fans gain a deeper appreciation for the unexpected moments that occur beyond the television cameras.
