Harry Redknapp, the charismatic former West Ham player and football manager, has opened up about his experiences in the I'm A Celebrity jungle, revealing that his tough childhood made the show feel like 'a holiday camp'. The 79-year-old, who became the oldest winner of the show in 2018 and returned for the All Stars series in South Africa, spoke exclusively about his no-nonsense upbringing and his enduring love story with wife Sandra.
Jungle Drama and a 'Nightmare' Final
Reflecting on the eventful I'm A Celeb final, which he described as a 'nightmare', Harry said: 'There was a lot of drama – but I'm just someone who gets on with things. I'm not one for making a fuss about anything much.' He attributed his can-do attitude to his childhood, explaining that growing up in the East End of London taught him resilience. 'We didn't have anything when I was a kid. You used to go hop-picking for six weeks in Kent, with my nan. And let me tell you, hop-picking makes the jungle look like a luxury holiday camp.'
Childhood Hardships
Harry recalled the gruelling details of hop-picking: 'We'd get up at five in the morning, trudge down to the hop fields and pick hops in deep mud for six shillings a day. Your hands would bleed. But that was our holiday.' He also remembered playing on bomb sites in Whitechapel, where both ends of his street had been destroyed during the war. 'So you get on with it, and I think that way of approaching things has always stayed with me. When I was five, rationing was on. So, eating raw fish guts in the jungle? Not a bother.'
Health, Family, and Grandfatherly Love
Harry, who remains in good shape, revealed he hasn't been in a pub for 50 years and only occasionally enjoys a glass of wine with Sandra. He spoke fondly of his son Jamie and his grandchildren, including Charlie, who completed a rugby scholarship in Arizona, and Beau, a midfielder for Brentford FC. 'If they need a few quid, I'm always available! That's probably one of the reasons I keep working, to be honest. I could put my feet up. I want to give them all a few quid when I go.'
Enduring Love Story
Harry and Sandra, childhood sweethearts who met when he was 17, have been together ever since. When asked about the secret to their lasting relationship, Harry said: 'I don't know, really. My mum and dad were married forever. Sandra's mum and dad were, too. I just love her. We met when I was 17 and that was it, really.' Despite his shyness, he added: 'Sandra's my life. Simple as that.'
Upcoming Projects and Regrets
Harry is looking forward to Soccer Aid, which raises money for UNICEF, and his theatre tours, where he tells stories and shares funny videos. 'If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't do it. It keeps me active, keeps me busy.' When asked about regrets, he said: 'Nothing to lose any sleep over. You're saying things on the spot sometimes, especially as a football manager!'
iD Mobile Campaign
Harry has partnered with iD Mobile to highlight its inclusive roaming in 50 destinations worldwide. 'You can go away on holiday and you use your phone all day. Mine never stops; you get back and you're hit with massive phone bills. With this iD Mobile campaign, you get inclusive roaming in 50 countries. So, wherever you are in the world, you don't get stuck with big roaming charges after your trip. That's really important.'
Harry and Sandra enjoy short holidays, like their trip to Croatia last year. 'We'll get away somewhere I'm sure!'
