Premier League footballer Jack Grealish has responded to requests for him to appear on a future series of I’m a Celebrity by sending a personal message to Ant and Dec.
The current series of the hit ITV show is well underway, with Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles becoming the latest celebrities to enter the jungle, resulting in the best one-liner of the series so far.
Manchester City and England winger, Grealish, has a reputation for living life to the full, especially when celebrating a major win with his teammates, making him a prime candidate to appear on the show in years to come.
On TikTok, Declan Donnelly revealed that Grealish had been asked whether he would be interested in being a contestant on the show in the future.
To the surprise of many, notably Ant McPartlin, who yelled “Oh my god,” Grealish actually replied.
In a video, the footballer said: “I’ve heard a few of you guys want to see me in the jungle, I can’t lie it’s something I would absolutely love to do. It’s a show that I’ve watched for years since I was little.”
Grealish did add that his debut in the Australian jungle is unlikely to be anytime soon, stating that his boss at Man City, Pep Guardiola, is unlikely to sign off on such a scenario.
“I don’t know how I’d get on in there, I don’t think I’d be the best to be honest, but I’d give it a go – not this year, I don’t think Pep would be too happy. But, never say never, it could happen one day.”
Ant and Dec responded by singing a rendition of “We Love You Grealish, We Do” as if they were on a football terrace.
If he were to join the show, Grealish would be among an impressive line of footballers to have entered I’m a Celebrity in the past. Top ex-players including David Ginola, Ian Wright, Neil Ruddock, Jimmy Bullard, Kieron Dyer, Wayne Bridge and Dennis Wise have all appeared in the reality contest.
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Two footballers have even won the show in recent years, with Jill Scott being crowned as Queen of the Jungle in 2022 and Harry Redknapp becoming King of the Jungle in 2018.
Coleen Rooney, the wife of Wayne Rooney, is the only contestant linked to the sport in this year’s edition.
Danny Jones, from the band McFly, is currently the favourite to win, according to the bookies.