Manchester lass Melanie Sykes is an early favourite to be crowned queen of the jungle after the new series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! kicked off last night.

The TV presenter won viewers over with her gutsy attitude as she aced her first task in the opening episode, before herself and fellow campers even reached their home for the next few weeks.

In the last 24 hours more than 1,000 bets have been placed on the 44-year-old to win. That sends her sailing past ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard as the bookies’ favourite.

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Fellow celebrities Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans and TalkSPORT presenter Georgie Bingham are among those tweeting their support.

Chris posted on Twitter: “Mel Sykes will walk this show. She’s funny, feisty, she’s gorgeous. My wife’s words. Who am I to argue?”

Georgie added: “Mel Sykes is in ridiculously good shape. She’s also hard as nails. And we already know she’s funny too! I love her. She’s going to win!”

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Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “It’s been one-way traffic for Mel in the last 24 hours and we’ve been forced to slash her odds.

“Punters can’t get enough of her no-nonsense attitude so it’s no surprise to see her become the favourite.”

She added: “Gemma’s been on TOWIE long enough to know how to fake some drama, but we can’t take any risks and that’s why she’s just 5/4 to walk.”