Holly Willoughby is set to get a ‘six figure fee’ to co-host I’m A Celebrity this year.
ITV has confirmed in August that it’ll be Holly who fronts this year’s series alongside Dec.
Dec’s usual co-host Ant stepped down from TV commitments earlier this year and recently confirmed he would not be back on TV until 2019 after seeking treatment in rehab.
Regular This Morning host Holly Willoughby said: “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. These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit… ”
Dec said of the news: “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.”
According to The Sun newspaper, Holly has signed a six-figure deal to front the show with Dec.
“Holly was the first choice to stand in for Ant on the show and the six figure offer reflected how much they wanted to get her on board,” a source said. “She’s so popular and she’s got a great relationship with Dec, it was a no brainer.
“Holly’s worth her weight in gold and the fee reflects that.”
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper previously, Holly admitted it was a “tricky situation”.
“Ant was part of the discussion from the off,” she revealed. “He’s happy that I’m looking after it until he gets back. It does help that we all know each other.
“I think I’m A Celeb will be more weird for Dec than for me. He’s only ever worked with Ant.”
Meanwhile, Holly recently joked she may not be the best person for the job.
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, Holly said: “When I first found out it’s exciting, bittersweet but exciting… I then thought, ‘There’s going to be spiders there!'”
She added: “Three things I’m not looking forward to – the eating something challenge. It’s going to be horrible!
“The smells, I’m not good with smells! And when they come out with the stuff… What have I done?”
I’m A Celebrity will air on ITV in November.
Rumoured celebrities for this year’s series include Hollyoaks actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer, Holby City actress Rosie Marcel, Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Inbetweeners star Emily Atack.
More on: Holly WilloughbyI'm A Celebrity
