Why Amir Khan joined I’m A Celebrity despite never seeing the show

Amir Khan has revealed why he signed up to I’m A Celebrity – despite never watching the show.

Former world champion and British boxer, Amir Khan, readily admits going into the Jungle will be far tougher than fighting an opponent in a match as he reveals he is completely petrified of spiders, snakes and heights.

The 30-year-old sportsman also predicts he will scream out loud when he’s confronted by his worst nightmare – coming face to face with an eight-legged insect.

“I am one guy who hates spiders,” he admitted. “Whenever I see a spider at home, I get my sister to move it. I just don’t deal with it.

“I hope I don’t come across any of them when I am in the Jungle but I know I am going to. Will I scream?

“Yes definitely but maybe this is the time where I face my phobias! I also hate snakes and heights too.”

Explaining why he accepted the offer to take part in his first ever TV reality series, Amir – who will temporarily stop his boxing training to take on the challenge – says he thought it was a great chance to do something totally different and have a complete break from the outside world.

“I’ve been in boxing for a long time,” he explained. “And I’ve got a fight next year but I wanted to give this a go.

“It’s very different to boxing and obviously I am not going to be punched in the face whilst I do this!

“I am most looking forward to getting away from the world and from everything, not having a phone, spending time with myself and getting to know some new people.

“It will also be nice to be able to say to my children ‘I did that.’”

Amir’s decision to sign up comes despite not watching the show.

“I’m not going to watch any of the previous series before I go in,” he declared ahead of the launch on Sunday. “I am going to deal with everything when I get there.

“I think my role in the Jungle will be as a leader who can lead people and stand up for everyone. I will be the peacemaker at the same time, push the team forward and not let them give up.”

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here begins on Sunday, November 19 at 9PM with hosts Ant and Dec.

And straight after you can catch new spin off show Extra Camp on ITV2.