I’m A Celebrity 2021: David Ginola admits it will be ‘strange’ to be reunited with Ant and Dec
David Ginola has admitted it will be ‘strange’ to reunite with Newcastle United superfans Ant and Dec when he appears on the new series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
The French football star, 54, who played for the Magpies for two years after leaving Paris Saint Germain, said he ‘doesn’t expect any special treatment’ from the hosts when he moves into Gwrych Castle this weekend.
David, who in 2016 suffered a cardiac arrest that left him fighting for his life following a charity football match, also confessed he ‘doesn’t know much’ about the show or their infamous trials, so he’ll be heading into the castle with an open mind.
Opinion: David Ginola has admitted it will be ‘strange’ to reunite with Newcastle United superfans Ant and Dec when he appears on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here
Speaking to MailOnline ahead of the new series, David shared his thoughts on being reunited with Ant and Dec, who he met at a Newcastle United match during his time at the club from 1995 to 1997.
He said: ‘It’s amazing I saw them when I was up there doing the game against Tottenham, they were in the stadium and I know they are massive Newcastle fans.
‘It will be nice, it will be strange as well to meet in such circumstances. It’s gonna be quite something I guess.’
Exciting: The French football star who played for the Magpies for two years after leaving Paris Saint Germain, said he ‘doesn’t expect any special treatment’ from the hosts (pictured)
Asked whether he expects any preferential treatment, the sportsman added: ‘I don’t expect anything, I don’t expect anything good so I think that’s why I’m going to be probably… I don’t want to be surprised in a bad way.
‘I want to be treated as anyone else and make sure everyone is on account. I’ll just making sure the bonding will be amazing and everyone will enjoy the experience.’
David, who resides in France with his girlfriend Maëva Denat, added that he is going into the castle with an open mind since he hasn’t seen much of the show.
He added: ‘I don’t know much about the show I don’t know much about the trials, I think right now that I’m not scared about anything but you need to wait for the time where you’re going to face the situation where you’re probably in a different mood.
‘I actually don’t really think about it right now I just want to wait and see how I’m gonna feel when the things are presented. Obviously there’s a few things I’m worried about but they’re not important.’
Exciting: David, who in 2016 suffered a cardiac arrest, also confessed he ‘doesn’t know much’ about the show or their infamous trials, so he’ll be heading into the castle with an open mind
David previously said that he doesn’t mind going on a strict rice and beans diet in the Castle and also said he hopes he can cook for the rest of his fellow celebrities.
He said: ‘I will be the chef in the camp. And rice and beans is perfect for me as I have put on six kilos over the past three months and I think it will be interesting to see if I can lose six kilos in three weeks!
‘Because we have been in lockdown many times over the past two years, being locked in a Castle for I’m A Celebrity won’t be an issue for me.’
He conceded however that he will deeply miss his two-year-old daughter, saying: ‘I am going to miss my baby girl. I have been sharing her life every day since she was born and it’s not just me. It is also about her missing her dad for a long time. That feeling is going to be difficult.’
Excited: David previously said that he doesn’t mind going on a strict rice and beans diet in the Castle and also said he hopes he can cook for the rest of his fellow celebrities
The stars headed to the castle comprise of ex-BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin, Olympian Matty Lee, DJ Snoochie Shy, GMB stars Richard Madeley, actor Danny Miller, producer Naughty Boy, Paralympian Kadeena Cox, footballer David, Olympic diver Matty Lee, Saturdays star Frankie Bridge, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.
First look images of the 2021 camp were revealed last week, ahead of the new series which kicks off later this month
Ant and Dec are set to welcome 12 new faces into the grounds of the derelict Gwrych Castle, and aerial images show that the setting is bigger and better than before.
Drone shots of the set show that two huge black boxes have been built either side of the Grade I listed 19th-century country house, no doubt to provide more room for the gruelling challenges ahead.
Coming soon: David will join nine other stars including Richard Madeley, Danny Miller and Louise Minchin in Gwrych Castle for the new series of I’m A Celebrity this weekend
While near the front of the castle, two huge turrets surrounded by scaffolding have been erected, which could play host to daring head-to-head as the famous faces are pitted against each other in the battle for stars.
The layout of the castle is pretty similar to that of last year’s set-up, however, over the last few weeks, improvements and renovations have been made to the vast castle in preparation for the upcoming series.
As show bosses pull out all the stops for the ITV programme, a sprawling production area can be seen in the images, with various marquees and hidden areas being constructed for the crew on this year’s show.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here returns on Sunday at 9pm on ITV.
I’m A Celebrity 2021 Line-up
LOUISE MINCHIN
LOUISE MINCHIN
AGE: 53
CLAIM TO FAME: Broadcaster & ex BBC Breakfast Host
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: It’s nice to be able to show the fun side of me rather than the serious news presenter.
PHOBIAS: The idea of small, enclosed spaces with cockroaches and spiders is horrific!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will give out hugs and make the food more edible!
MISS MOST: My comfortable bed and lovely bath.
DREAM CAMPER: Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig – we wouldn’t have a problem getting stars if he were in the Castle.
MATTY LEE
MATTY LEE
AGE: 23
CLAIM TO FAME: Olympic Gold Medallist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People always see me as very composed and serious on the diving board. This will be a nice opportunity to let people get to know me better.
PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I don’t mind helping out with cleaning.
MISS MOST: My bed!
DREAM CAMPER: Ed Sheeran and Will Smith
SNOOCHIE SHY
SNOOCHIE SHY
AGE: 29
CLAIM TO FAME: Radio 1Xtra DJ
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People know me as a very bubbly person but when I am outside of my comfort zone, I can be shy.
PHOBIAS: Bugs, heights and I’m claustrophobic.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I love twerking on a Friday night and I’m going to teach everyone how to do it in the Castle!
MISS MOST: My cat and lip gloss.
DREAM CAMPER: Jim Carrey and Big Narstie.
RICHARD MADELEY
RICHARD MADELEY
AGE: 65
CLAIM TO FAME: TV presenter and journalist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Nothing. I don’t worry about what people think.
PHOBIAS: Heights. I’m not sure how I will feel if I have to walk across a plank very high up!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Cook and interviewer. I love finding out about people’s lives.
MISS MOST: Aside from Judy and my family, not knowing what is happening in the news. I am a news junkie.
DREAM CAMPER: The late Jimmy Greaves. I would have loved to chat about goal scoring in the Castle with him.
DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS, DBE
DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS, DBE
AGE: 78
CLAIM TO FAME: Choreographer
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t really know the real me at home and I’d like to show people the motherly side, the side my family sees.
PHOBIAS: I am hoping I will overcome my fears to take part in the Trials!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum and to organise some fun dance routines!
MISS MOST: My notepad and pencil –I am known for always having to write down ideas.
DREAM CAMPER: Giovanna Fletcher –she is such a lovely, warm person.
NAUGHTY BOY
NAUGHTY BOY
AGE: 36
CLAIM TO FAME: Producer
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t know the real me and I want everyone to get to know me.
PHOBIAS: Confined spaces and heights but I want to give the Trials a go to bring back some stars.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Castle chef and someone who everyone can confide in.
MISS MOST: My mum. I live with her and it’s going to be hard being away from her.
DREAM CAMPER: Sir Elton John would be amazing.
KADEENA COX, MBE
KADEENA COX, MBE
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAME: Paralympic Gold Medallist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Great to be able to show people with all disabilities they can try different things in life.
PHOBIAS: Snakes, rats, spiders, heights – everything!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef – so long as there isn’t too much pressure to make the food interesting!
MISS MOST: TikTok, my mum and dog.
DREAM CAMPER: Thierry Henry –I love watching Arsenal play.
DAVID GINOLA
DAVID GINOLA
AGE: 54
CLAIM TO FAME: Football legend
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None because I never hide behind a false image. What you see is what you get.
PHOBIAS: I am going to tell you when I am in the Castle!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef. I enjoy cooking at home and I will be hoping to add some garlic and rosemary to the food.
MISS MOST: My partner and my little girl. It’s going to be tough.
FRANKIE BRIDGE
FRANKIE BRIDGE
AGE: 32
CLAIM TO FAME: The Saturdays star
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People think if you are in a pop group, you lead a glamorous lifestyle and won’t get stuck in, but I’m determined to muck in with all the chores.
PHOBIAS: Spiders, rats and confined spaces scare me.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: The serial hugger.
MISS MOST: Wayne and my boys.
DREAM CAMPER: Larry Lamb or a father figure type.
DANNY MILLER
DANNY MILLER
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAME: Emmerdale actor
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None but I would like to show everyone what I am like in real life rather than my soap character, Aaron Dingle.
PHOBIAS: I am absolutely dreading the eating Trials! I fear I will gag!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: A shoulder to cry on and a person everyone can come to if they have a problem.
MISS MOST: My fiancée, Steph, and our new baby.
DREAM CAMPER: Fred Sirieix or any ex football player. I won’t be able to leave them alone asking lots of questions!