I’m A Celebrity bosses set to ‘splash the cash’ on this year’s celebrity line up

The I’m A Celebrity 2018 line up of celebrities will reportedly be one of the most expensive ever.

Show producers are said to have been given extra cash to spend on signing names.

It follows co-host Ant stepping down from hosting duties this year, replaced by Holly Willoughby.

According to The Sun newspaper, bosses have upped the budget to get names in the jungle in a bid to make sure the show is still a hit.

The first to reportedly pen a deal is TV presenter Nick Knowles, famous for hosting shows such as DIY SOS which recently aired a special with Prince William and Prince Harry.

A source said: “They think he’ll be a great camp-mate and will be full of stories about his famous pals, including the princes.

“Producers have been given slightly more to play with this year than normal.

“And this is a signing of intent to show other shows, such as Strictly, that even without Ant the show will still be strong.”

Other 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.

Also linked to the series are EastEnders’ Rita Simons, Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon and TV presenter Kate Garraway

They could be joined by X Factor star Fleur East, Corrie’s Catherine Tyldesley and reality star Charlotte Dawson.

Meanwhile, Blazin Squad star Marcel Somerville could become the first contestant from ITV2’s Love Island to appear in the I’m A Celebrity camp.

Another favourite to join the I’m A Celebrity 2018 line up is The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge, after her husband took part in the series previously.

There could also be a very familiar face on the line up this autumn. Jack Maynard has said he hopes to return to I’m A Celebrity to “prove himself”. The 22-year-old YouTube vlogger left the show just a few days into the series last year.

Meanwhile, on signing to co-host the new series, Holly 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 added: “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’m A Celebrity typically begins the middle of November on ITV.