I'm a Celebrity: Holly Willoughby to replace Ant as new co-host

‘These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit’

The TV presenter will join Declan Donnelly for the new series of the reality show which returns later this year (PA)

ITV has confirmed that Holly Willoughby will replace Ant McPartlin as co-host of I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.

The TV presenter will now join Declan Donnelly for the new series of the reality show which returns later this year.

It was previously announced that McPartlin would not be appearing after returning to rehab following a drink-driving incident in April.

Director of television at ITV, Kevin Lygo, confirmed the news at Edinburgh TV Festival, telling an audience: “We collectively all thought let’s give [Ant] a good amount of time off because these things are a slow procedure. He’s not going to go to the jungle. Dec is and we will find someone to stand next to Dec.”

McPartlin will be absent from TV screens for the rest of the year. Saturday Night Takeaway won’t be on during his break.

Together, Ant and Dec have hosted I’m A Celebrity... since 2002.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have been asked to stand alongside Dec for the next jungle adventure. I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery,” Willoughby said.

“These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit … Honestly, I’m a huge fan of I’m a Celebrity and actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show. When is it a good time to tell Dec I’m scared of everything that moves?”

Donnelly said: “I am hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year. She was at the top of my list and I’m thrilled she said yes. It will be a different kind of series but we will try our best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers.”

“I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials.”

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