Rio and Kate Ferdinand have reportedly signed up for I'm A Celebrity: Wild Frontier, a new spin-off of the ITV reality show hosted by Ant and Dec. The football star, 47, who married Kate in 2019, is said to be in the final stages of signing with show bosses.
If confirmed, the couple would become the first married pair to join the series, which focuses on celebrity duos. They will face daredevil challenges and Bushtucker Trials together, marking Rio's first foray into reality TV.
Show bosses 'overjoyed'
A source said: "Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It's a real coup for the show. They have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat, too."
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: "ITV are still in talks with some other brilliant names and this show promises to be absolutely spectacular — and a real social media talker."
Other celebrity pairs
Just weeks ago, it was claimed that Westlife star Brian McFadden and Boyzone singer Keith Duffy, who tour as Boyzlife, had also agreed to appear. Unlike the Australian series, the spin-off will see celebrities competing in pairs, with friends, relatives and couples taking on Bushtucker-style trials together before facing elimination as a duo.
The show is reportedly due to air in 2027, as part of celebrations marking 25 years of I'm A Celebrity, which first hit screens in August 2002 with DJ Tony Blackburn crowned as the first King of the Jungle.
Filming in Canada
Filming is expected to take place in Canada's Callaghan Valley, near Whistler Olympic Park, replacing the Australian jungle for the special spin-off series. The area is known for its rugged wilderness and is home to wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears and mountain lions.
Brian McFadden already has a link to the franchise through his former wife Kerry Katona, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2004. The main I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! series will continue to be filmed in Australia as normal later this year.
The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.
