RUGBY STAR JAMES HASKELL IS GOING INTO CAMP - I'M A CELEBRITY

Former England rugby union player, James Haskell, admits to having ‘big shoes to fill’ if he wants to emulate the popularity of his famous in-laws - Richard & Judy - on this year’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!  But the 34-year-old says the chance to take part in the award-winning ITV/STV/UTV series came at
the perfect moment after his Rugby World Cup dreams were dashed earlier this year when he had to retire due to injury.

James - who enjoyed a 17-year career that saw him play for England, Wasps and
Northampton - admits:

“A lot of my teammates had said in the past ‘wouldn’t it be fun if you went into the Jungle’ but I always laughed as A) I thought nobody would approach me
and B) I thought I was going to be in the World Cup but I retired sooner than I thought!”

“And so to be asked is such a special opportunity.  You will get to test yourself in amazing surroundings and find out a little bit more about yourself.  I am excited.”

Going on to reflect on his wife and in-laws’ reaction to the news he was going in the Jungle, he adds:

“I have a fantastic relationship with them (Richard & Judy) and they are very
supportive.  They are massive fans of the show and they will be out in Australia.”

“Chloe, my wife, thinks it is fantastic too.  She is really excited and I think she will love it.  But I will miss her a lot.  We have been inseparable for five years and we speak two to three times a day.”

“It will be a massive change (not being able to chat to her) and I think I will end up talking about her a lot.”

Phobias:  I’m not going to tell you!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the Jungle:  I’m going in the Jungle to have a fun time but I’ve always done this lad bravado kind of
thing and actually I am really different.

Role in the camp:  I will help around the camp with all the jobs.

Miss most:  My wife, technology and not being able to read a book.

Dream camper:  Idris Elba.

Missing any special occasion:  No.

Relationship status:  Married.

​​I'm A Celebrity begins, Sunday 17 November 2019, on ITV/STV/UTV at 21:00.