The famous ITV series I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! made its return on Sunday night, featuring an all-new cast of celebrities venturing into the jungle, with Coronation Street famed Alan Halsall among them.
The actor joined forces with Tulisa Contostavlos in the premier episode to triumph as camp leaders. Nonetheless, his TV mum, Claire Sweeney, anticipates greater things from the star.
On Friday’s instalment of Good Morning Britain, Claire conveyed her insights on her former co-star’s jungle stint.
She commented: “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.”
Kate Garraway, clearly intrigued, asked whether viewers have yet witnessed the ‘true’ Alan, noting his unassuming presence, a point echoed by Paul Brand.
Yet, Claire contended: “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.”
Meanwhile, Thursday’s segment of the programme revealed the camp mates were chastised for sneaking in forbidden items, reports the Express.
This week, Dean McCullough outrightly tipped off the others about having teabags for communal use.
The camp faced a penalty, receiving only five cupcakes to share instead of the usual 10, and the celebrities were instructed to surrender any contraband.
Dean headed to the Bush Telegraph while Tulisa admitted she had something she shouldn’t have, disclosing that fellow camper Melvin Odoom had given her salt for seasoning the meals.
Alan’s disappointment at not having used the salt before it was handed over to ITV was evident, a detail that did not escape the notice of viewers.
One viewer remarked: “Alan realising he could have had salty beans and rice last night.”
Another chimed in: “Alan realising they could’ve had seasoned rice and beans.”
A third commented: “Alan when he realised they had seasoning the whole time.”
While someone else wrote: “Alan why didn’t you the flavourings.”
Since the start of the show, Alan’s chances of emerging as the winner have improved, with bookies William Hill noting the change.
Lee Phelps, spokesperson for William Hill, shared: “Danny Jones was already a firm favourite to win this year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity and the McFly singer has been smashed in the betting since the beginning of the show, shortening into even-money from 15/8 yesterday.”
“Jones is now well clear of GK Barry at 5/1, with Maura Higgins closing in on her in the market at 8/1 from 10/1. Alan Halsall is the big negative in the market, after drifting to 14/1 from 8/1.”
Catch more of ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! on weeknights on ITV from 9pm.
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.