Holly Willoughby has ruled out returning to host I’m A Celebrity in 2019.
Speculation was rife that Holly might become a permanent fixture as co-host on the show after successfully filling in for Ant McPartlin alongside veteran host Declan Donnelly.
It was the first time in the show’s 15 years that Ant and Dec didn’t host together however it didn’t impact the ratings, attracting an average of 12.2 million viewers each week, well up on the previous series.
There were subsequent claims that show bosses were keen to keep Holly with Dec – but she’s now ruled out the possibility.
Holly said at the launch of Dancing On Ice, which she will also be hosting from next month: “It was a one-off, once in a lifetime adventure.
“Next year, I’ll be at home with everyone else having a glass of wine watching it.”
The Daily Star newspaper had claimed that I’m A Celeb producers were potentially planning on making Holly the show’s full time host.
“The original plan was for Holly to stand in while Ant was off and then hand the baton back. But she’s been such a success that producers are now keen to keep her whatever happens,” a source said.
They explained: “Many presenters would have crumbled under the pressure of joining such a big show, but Holly stepped up to the plate. The top people at ITV are now really keen to get her back next year.
“It now depends on whether or not she wants to do another series. Being in Australia for five weeks is a big commitment. She has her family to think about. And she also has her commitments at This Morning to think about.”
I’m A Celebrity airs on ITV.
Meanwhile, Dec will reunite with Ant on set of Britain’s Got Talent next month when auditions for the new series begin.
The show, which will air on ITV in the Spring, saw Dec go it alone for the live shows of the latest run in 2018.
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