Joel Dommett has said it's 'time to say goodbye' as it was confirmed he won't be returning to host I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here's spin-off show later this year.
Departure from Unpacked
The presenter has been at the helm of the ITV reality show's sister programme, Unpacked, since its relaunch in 2024, providing I'm A Celeb fans with unseen bits and exclusive interviews alongside Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers.
However, it was announced on Thursday (July 23) that the former campmate, who finished runner-up during I'm A Celeb's 2016 series, won't be returning, with former King of the Jungle Sam and Capital radio DJ Kemi set to continue without him.
Family reasons behind decision
Taking to Instagram, Joel shared why he decided he wouldn't be taking on the hosting gig this year. He shared a string of photos, each with their own caption "It's time to say goodbye to my time hosting the I'm a Celeb extra Show, not just because of the restraining order," he quipped alongside pictures of himself and hosts Ant and Dec, and of tattoos of their names on the back of his legs.
"It's been 10 years since I went in there as a campmate, and I was super lucky to go back again, and again, and again." A sweet photo of Joel, his wife Hannah, and their son Wilde, followed, alongside another of Hannah during her pregnancy with their second baby, Dutch, who was born in May.
He explained: "But this year I'm going to stay at home with these dudes and the extra one that kind of came with us too." He added: "It's been mad seeing my life evolve in Australia from this to this. I've blooming loved it, gdayyy mate."
Messages of support
Captioning the post, Joel wrote: "Was so darn fun @imacelebrity," to which he wife was quick to respond: "Thanks for the winter tan." He was then flooded with messages of support from his celebrity pals, with Emily Atack writing: "I genuinely don’t know how you got up that early for that long [clapping emojis]."
Radio DJ Melvin Odoom replied: "You have been incredible bro and thanks for all the kind words and support when I did the show …catch you soon." Former Lioness and I'm A Celeb winner Jill Scott said: "You smashed it." Comedian Eddie Kadi commented: "What a nice man you are! Thank you for being so kind my guy. You made that show yours."
Meanwhile, former co-star Kemi shared: "Oh Joel it has been the honour of my life sharing that treehouse with you, you are an absolute legend, the best to ever do it!! Thank you for letting me join the Cooper-Dommett family off screen as well; pool time won’t be the same without you guys," while Sam added: "Never has there been a better man to learn from. I feel incredibly honoured to have been able to share a tiny bit of that period with you."
