Boxing Rumour Firmly Denied by Broadcaster
ITV has officially dismissed widespread speculation that professional boxer Conor Benn was poised to make a surprise appearance on this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!. A spokesperson for the channel confirmed that the rumour is categorically untrue, putting an end to reports that had gained significant traction.
The 29-year-old son of former world champion Nigel Benn was rumoured to be entering the Australian jungle as a late arrival for the 2025 series. The speculation suggested he withdrew from last-minute talks due to a scheduling conflict with his boxing match against Chris Eubank Jr.
According to the initial reports, Benn was scheduled to fly to Australia on Sunday, just one day after his high-profile fight. However, the logistical challenges and unpredictability of a boxing match ultimately made the plan unworkable.
Logistical Nightmare and Political Drama
A source explained the complications, stating: "In theory, he could have done it, if he had gone in as one of the late arrivals, but given how boxing matches are unpredictable, if he had been injured he wouldn't have been able to fly." The source added that neither ITV nor Conor could take that risk, though the door remains open for a future appearance.
Instead of the boxer, Tom Read Wilson and Vogue Williams were confirmed as the late arrivals for this year's series, which has already begun filming in Australia.
In a separate development, it has emerged that former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner came remarkably close to joining the show. The former housing secretary was in advanced talks with ITV bosses, with insiders suggesting the broadcaster "felt it was going to happen."
Why the Political Star Steered Clear
Richard Osman and Marina Hyde revealed on their podcast, The Rest Is Entertainment, just how far the talks progressed. They noted that despite hosts Ant and Dec's previous desire to avoid more politicians after Nigel Farage's 2023 appearance, Rayner represented an opportunity ITV found "impossible to say no to."
However, the former deputy PM was ultimately warned that a return to frontline politics could be off the table if she entered the jungle. Rayner was forced to resign from her Cabinet roles in September after controversy over £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty on a flat purchase in Hove, East Sussex.
Marina Hyde commented on the potential fallout, saying: "If you thought last week was chaotic for Labour, try and imagine this week if Angela Rayner was now basically running a proxy leadership campaign by the meme of eating kangaroo testicles on ITV prime time."
The podcast hosts revealed that Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey had also been offered to ITV but was rejected, while Rayner's potential participation advanced much further before ultimately collapsing over political concerns.
