Joel Dommett, who was a contestant on I’m a Celebrity in 2016, shared some pieces of advice to this year’s campmates and looked back at his time on the popular TV show
Joel Dommett has given I’m a Celebrity contestants a key piece of advice as he said taking part on the show is a “life-changing” experience.
The 39-year-old comedian and presenter took part in the 16th series of the popular reality show and finished as the runner-up, with Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt winning. This year, the line-up is reported to include the likes of Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen Rooney, dancer Oti Mabuse and former boxer Barry McGuigan.
The show launches on TV on Sunday, November 17. Speaking ahead of the launch later this week, former contestant Joel urged campmates to enjoy their time Down Under as much as possible and “embrace every moment” on the show.
He said when discussing his spin-off show: “Just enjoy it as much as you can! Having three/four weeks away from all your technology devices is life-changing! It makes you realign all your values and priorities, whilst also being in the world of this iconic television show, surrounded by some of the most interesting people in the country.
“Whether you agree with what they think or you don’t! Embrace every moment, it’s such a special scenario and one you’ll never get to experience again, well, unless you’re Katie Price!” The former glamour model, 46, appeared on I’m a Celebrity twice – first in 2004, when she met Peter Andre and they began a relationship, and then in 2009, but left after nine days.
Celebrities who take part in the show are also allowed to take a luxury item with them, which is meant to make their time in the jungle easier. However, if they want to get their items, they have to work for them and win them through trials.
Previous items celebrities have brought with them included a hairbrush, a travel pillow, a cashmere blanket and mascara. Joel’s chosen luxury item was a framed picture of presenters Ant and Dec, which she did as a joke. But he added: “It got to the point where others were putting themselves through some horrible challenge to get it for me, and I was like ‘don’t worry about my one!’
“There would be nothing worse than me getting a picture of Ant and Dec and them not getting a sentimental item like a pillow with their children on. But obviously, I’d still have the photo of Ant and Dec as my luxury item!”
Joel also said trials and challenges are “so fun” and added that the team behind them is “incredible at putting things together.” He said: “It’s so important for the morale of camp! I’m looking forward to seeing what the first challenge and trial will be this year, starting the show with a big bang! I had to walk the plank back in 2016, it was absolutely terrifying.”
It comes as Declan Donnelly was spotted on a family outing with wife Ali Astall and daughter Isla in Australia ahead of the show. The TV host was seen beaming as he held hands with his eldest child who was wearing a giraffe t-shirt for the day out in Brisbane. The family of four were spotted returning to their hotel after enjoying a restaurant meal together.
Presenter Dec was off duty for the day and dressed down in a white t-shirt and khaki shorts with a bag slung around his shoulders. The TV star, 49, and wife Ali, 45 have two children together. Their first child, daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly, was born in September 2018. They then welcomed son Jack Anthony Alphonsus in July 2022.
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