IM A Celebrity standby stars get paid 20,000 even if they dont make it into the jungle.
According to former campmate Nicola McLean, a number of celebrities are flown out to Australia just in case someone is forced to leave the ITV show early but they are very rarely used.
She claims that Timmy Mallett was on standby for three years before he finally got on the show in 2008.
Spilling the beans in her Closer magazine column, she wrote: Aside from the two late comers, other celebrities are standby in case anyone gets injured or ill but get sent home once the voting starts, as then it doesnt matter if someone leaves.
They travel first class, stay in a hotel and get paid 20,000. Timmy Mallett did that for three years before he got in, but thats rare because most dont go in the show.
She also claimed that if you appear as a guest on Extra Camp before going on the main show, you wont ever get to go in the jungle because you would see how it works too well.
This year soap stars Andy Whyment and Cliff Parisi were late entries into the jungle.
Nicola appeared on Im A Celeb in 2008 alongside Timmy Mallett.
During her stint on the show, the WAG was seen frequently rowing with David Van Day.
She eventually came in sixth place in the competition after impressing viewers inthe iconic jungle shower and can-do attitude.
HOAR Online has contacted I’m A Celeb for comment.
