‘Oti Mabuse’s biggest I’m A Celebrity struggle could be a game-changer’

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2024 has finally arrived, and the ITV series boasts one of its most star-studded line-ups to date.

The cast includes the likes of Coleen Rooney, Tulisa Contostavlos, Danny Jones and former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse, whose stint in camp comes after she became a judge on the broadcaster’s other programme Dancing On Ice.

More than a decade ago in 2013, former Strictly pro Vincent Simone took part in I’m A Celebrity, becoming the third contestant to be eliminated before Westlife singer Kian Egan was eventually crowned the King of the Jungle.

During a recent conversation with , Vincent gave his views on how fellow Strictly alum Oti will fare in the competition, given his own experience of taking part 11 years ago and his knowledge of her as a fierce competitor.

He began by explaining that professional dancers have ‘got the upper hand’ in the jungle, ‘because we spend all of our lives competing, performing, training and focusing more than anything’.

However, he pointed out that there is a major obstacle that Oti will face that could be a deciding factor in how well she progresses in the gruelling series.

‘The only thing is, from my own experience, because I know so many professional dancers, and including some of my dance partners, they do struggle with the lack of food,’ said the 45-year-old, who spoke to via 10bet.

‘They are beasts on the dance floor, like literally the strongest people I know. But you take the food away from them, you lose them.’

Vincent continued: ‘So that is the main thing. Oti on paper would be amazing, but is she going to cope with the lack of food, which affects your system, and there’s nothing you can do about it unfortunately.’

Despite his prediction, before heading to Australia, Oti revealed what she suspects will be her greatest obstacle: snakes.

‘In my head I am a superhero but snakes are not my thing,’ the 34-year-old said.

‘I am petrified of them and they are my biggest fear.’

She added that she hopes she’ll be a ‘comfort mum in camp’, as she can ‘listen to stories, motivate and hopefully entertain everyone with a bit of dancing’.

‘I hope to teach everyone a few moves. We will create our own talent show in the jungle!’ she said.

Vincent himself was able to do this himself when he was on the show, explaining how he taught some moves to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Alfonso Ribeiro at the time.

The following year, Alfonso ended up winning Dancing With The Stars in the US… and went on to co-host the programme, as well as appearing on Strictly as a guest judge.

More than 10 years after doing I’m A Celebrity, Vincent admitted that going in the jungle ‘improved’ his fear of spiders, after the very memorable Bushtucker Trial when one nipped at his face.

However, we’re sure he’s glad he doesn’t have to down a huge drink of blended cockroaches anytime soon.