First I’m A Celebrity stars land in Australia after flight chaos days before launch

It’s all getting very real for the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as the 2024 stars have started arriving Down Under.

This time next week, we’ll be gearing up for the return of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly’s reality series, ready to put the celebs through their paces in the most grim and terrifying Bushtucker Trials.

The likes of Maura Higgins and Oti Mabuse are expected to feature in this series’ iconic line-up, but it’s the likes of Danny Jones and Alan Halsall who were among the first to land in Australia.

Photos captured McFly frontman Danny, 38, touching down at Brisbane Airport after flying from Heathrow and laying over in Singapore.

The All About You hitmaker cut a casual and comfy figure for the 22-hour journey, wearing joggers and an Oasis band tee. Of course, his guitar was part of his luggage.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing (or flying, rather) for Danny, who got caught up in an eerie thunderstorm while up in the air.

At one point, the bad weather almost forced the plane off track, diverting the cast to Sydney Airport.

Thankfully, Danny was one of the lucky ones who was able to land in Brisbane unscathed, while others after him had to make the one-hour, 35-minute diversion.

He told MailOnline after collecting his suitcases: ‘The flight was pretty stormy, bit bumpy, bit of a hairy flight.’

The pop star refused to confirm he was in Australia to enter the Jungle, instead joking that he had big plans for his career.

‘I’m going to record a solo album. I’m going to be surfing, recording an album but the McFly boys don’t know it yet,’ he teased.

Danny will be hoping to follow in bandmate Dougie Poynter’s footsteps, as he was crowned King of the Jungle in 2011.

Also on the musician’s flight were 2023 winner Sam Thompson, TV presenter Joel Dommett, and radio DJ Kemi Rodgers, who are all joining forces for a new aspect of the show.

Bringing us the latest Jungle gossip over the next three weeks, the trio will host a spin-off show, I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked.

And it’s clear they’re all getting on like a house on fire already, as reigning champion Sam was all smiles, while Masked Singer presenter Joel went in for a hug upon greeting Danny.

Elsewhere, Coronation Street actor Alan, 42, was also in high spirits as he arrived for the adventure of a lifetime.

Wearing a baseball cap and black t-shirt, the long-time soap star, who plays mechanic Tyrone Dobbs, larked around with reporters, also making false claims about his reasons for being in Aus.

He told The Mirror: ‘I’m just here to play golf.

‘It’s a long way to come but I am an avid fan of… golf. Camping? Camping has got nothing to do with it, I am not going to be camping on the golf course!’

Sure, Alan, whatever you say…

Yet to make the trip is Coleen Rooney, who is believed to be ITV’s biggest signing this series.

The Wag, 38, was spotted just last night picking up some last-minute essentials from Hoopers Department Store in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Dressed in gym gear, the TV personality seemed relaxed, shopping bag in her arm as she returned to the car.

If reports are to be believed, Coleen, who is married to Wayne Rooney, is to receive a paycheque of more than one million pounds for her stint in the Jungle this year.

However, she will be exempt from certain trials on medical grounds.

Joining her will be N-Dubz icon and former X Factor judge Tulisa, Loose Woman Jane Moore, writer Reverend Richard Coles, broadcaster Melvin Odoom, social media sensation GK Barry, boxing legend Barry McGuigan, and radio star Dean McCullough.