Soap Opera

EastEnders icon Shane Richie joins I’m A Celebrity line-up as 10 stars confirmed for the show

29th October 2020

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SOAP icon Shane Richie is the latest star confirmed for the new look I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, HOAR can reveal.

The EastEnders favourite, 56, has agreed to take part in the ITV show and will now go into a two-week quarantine before it starts next month.

Shane Richie is the latest big name to sign up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity

Dad-of-five Shane is best known for his time on Albert Square as loveable rogue Alfie Moon alongside on-screen wife Kat Slater — played by Jessie Wallace, 49.

As well as being a staple of British TV for nearly three decades, he is also an in-demand panto favourite around Christmas time.

An insider said: “ITV have always wanted Shane for the jungle but with panto not happening this year and other work opportunities less likely, he decided this was the time to take the plunge.

“Going to North Wales is less of a huge commitment than flying halfway across the world, too, so he jumped at the chance.

Shane with Jessie Wallace as Alfie Moon and Kat Slater on EastEnders

I’m A Celeb will be filmed in Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, rather than Australia

“He’s already being talked about by production as an early favourite as he’s such a likeable bloke and known to millions of soap fans.

“ITV are delighted they’ve managed to convince him to take part.”

This year’s I’m A Celebrity is being filmed in Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, rather than Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia, due to Covid.

And Shane — sure to be a front-runner to be crowned “king” — follows a long line of former Walford stars who have taken part, including past winners Charlie Brooks, Joe Swash and Jacqueline Jossa.

Fellow EastEnders star Jessica Plummer has also signed up for the show

Corrie’s Beverley Callard will be entering the castle next month

Ex-Strictly pro AJ Pritchard has agreed to take part in I’m A Celeb

Ant and Dec will return as hosts for the show’s expected start on November 15

The new set at the previously derelict 200-year-old castle will include familiar features such as the central camp fire, congregation and task areas, and an outside toilet.

Shane will be joined by fellow soap stars Jessica Plummer, 28, and Beverley Callard, 63.

HOAR revealed yesterday that Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, 37, will be there too.

And last week we unmasked West End actress, singer and dancer Ruthie Henshall, 53, operatic tenor Russell Watson, 53, and Paralympian Hollie Arnold, 26, as contestants.