The stars of this year’s I’m A Celeb have now spent just over a week in the jungle, acclimatising to their new wild surroundings. Alan Halsall and Tulisa Contostavlos, however, have enjoyed a touch more comfort than their campmates.
In the opening episode, the pair teamed up and emerged victorious in the race to become the first camp leaders. Their win secured them a stay in the Leaders’ Lodge, complete with mattresses and plush bedding.
Speculation is rife that there might be a spark of romance between the two celebrities. On Monday’s instalment of Lorraine, the ITV presenter spoke with Alan’s Coronation Street co-star Andy Whyment.
Discussing the potential for a jungle love story, Andy remarked: “Well they seem to be getting on really well, don’t they? We know they’ve been sharing the hideout at the top so I’m sure they’ve been having a few conversations there and obviously, they won the first trial together on the very first show.
“Listen, good luck to him. He’s obviously a single lad and I think Tulisa is single so we shall see what happens. Watch this space.” Additionally, Andy imparted some sage advice from his own jungle experience to his fellow Corrie actor, reports the Express.
Andy shared that he had advised Alan to secure a bed in the camp, recounting his own struggles with sleeping in a hammock during his stint on the show. He confessed: “For me, sleeping in a hammock was so tough. I really struggled with it.”
Alan’s stint in the jungle has been a topic of conversation, with Claire Sweeney noting that her on-screen son is showing a quieter side than usual. While chatting with Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain, she remarked: “Isn’t he wonderful?
“I know Maureen Lipman came on here and she said he’ll start off quietly just watch and observe and then he’ll come forward. That’s what he’ll do, he’s brilliant Alan, he’s such a funny guy. He’s smart, he’s sensitive, he’s a really brilliant personality.”
However, she didn’t hesitate to urge the show’s producers to give him more screen time. She continued: “In the first episode he wasn’t quiet because he had the big trial with Tulisa and he really shone in that didn’t he? He’s sitting back at the moment. I think he will, he needs more airtime.”
The dynamics in the camp have seen some changes recently, especially after the entrance of late arrivals Maura Higgins and Richard Coles. Initially, Richard was assigned a hammock, but after he mentioned his discomfort, Strictly star Oti Mabuse graciously offered her bed.
Maura and Richard made their way to the main camp on Saturday night following their stint in the Jungle Junkyard. They faced a daunting eating challenge to win stars for the group’s meal. Their efforts paid off, and the campmates were treated to a feast of hotdogs, chicken nuggets, burgers, and chips.
The following night, after Coleen Rooney and Dean McCullough’s nine-star victory, they were treated to possum. Dean is set to face another Bushtucker Trial on Monday night, having been chosen by the public to participate in Jack and The Scream-Stalk.
Will the radio star be able to earn more stars for the camp in a solo trial? After his disagreement with Alan Halsall, Dean’s odds to win the show have fallen.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, commented: “Coleen Rooney has been a notable mover in the outright betting for this year’s I’m A Celeb crown over the past few days.Rooney has seen her price quartered, as she was backed in from 10/1 to 5/2 over the weekend, edging ever-closer to market leader Danny Jones (EVS). Maura Higgins has also been popular with viewers and has been backed into 5/1 from 10/1.
“The same can’t be said for Dean McCullough, who, having received mixed reactions from the public after poor trial performances and a spat with Alan Halsall, has seen his odds fly out to 40/1.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! continues weeknights on ITV from 9pm.