I’m A Celebrity bosses are reportedly keen for Holly Willoughby to replace Ant McPartlin permanently.
This year another group of celebrities swapped luxury for life in the I’m A Celebrity Jungle three weeks.
They are TV presenter Nick Knowles, actor and entertainer John Barrowman MBE, Hollyoaks star Malique Thompson-Dwyer, popstar James McVey, football manager Harry Redknapp, actor Rita Simons, TV’s ‘The Governess’ Anne Hegerty, comedy actor Emily Atack, Corrie star Sair Khan, broadcaster Noel Edmonds and singer Fleur East.
Holly guest hosted the show alongside Dec, while Ant takes a year out of TV work.
And while there were some nerves about how the new pairing would work out, ratings have been the best in years.
The final show of the series last night averaged 10.9 million viewers – an increase of 1.7 million on the audience to last year’s final, and the highest rating final since 2013.
Based on 7 day consolidated data – including those on catch up – the series is currently averaging 12.2 million viewers, making it the highest rating series in the show’s history.
Now the Daily Star newspaper claims that I’m A Celeb bosses are considering 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.”
Fans of the show have also called for Holly to stay hosting alongside Dec.
One viewer tweeted: “A shaky start last week but Holly has got it. She’s found her feet and the chemistry works so well between her and Dec. Ant who? #ImACeleb”
Another posted: “Dec and Holly are so much better than ant and Dec they should be a permanent double act #imaceleb #imaceleb2018 #decandholly”
“@imacelebrity give holly the job permanently she has given the show such a lease of life this year #imacelebrity,” a third wrote.
And a fourth shared: “Sorry but I don’t want Ant to come back to #imacelebrity, @hollywills needs to be a permanent presenter on the show! ? Never loved a series so much, she is making it 1000000x better!
On signing up for the show earlier this year, Holly said she was only keeping Ant’s shoes “warm for a little bit”.
She explained: “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 his new co-host: “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 airs on ITV.
