Dec Donnelly admits he could only do I’m a Celeb stint with woman co-presenter

Declan Donnelly has admitted that Holly Willoughby was his first choice replacement for Ant, saying he ‘couldn’t face’ doing the show with another man

As he prepares for his first stint on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! without long-term presenting partner Ant McPartlin, he says that fellow ITV favourite Holly was ‘top of his list’ to replace him.

He told the Sun: “As always I’m incredibly excited to be heading to Oz for I’m a Celebrity.”

“It is obviously tinged with sadness that Ant won’t be coming this year – I’m going to really miss him – but it’s only for one series and he’ll be back stronger next year.”

“I didn’t want to host this series with another guy, so Holly was top of my list,” he added.

Taking a break from her regular presenting gig on This Morning, where she is being replaced by former Saturday’s star Rochelle Humes, 37-year-old mum of three Holly has recently touched down in Oz, ahead of their gruelling upcoming filming schedule.

And she’s already admitted that she’s nervous about taking on the role, telling The Sun: “It is scary”.

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“I’ve always loved the show as a viewer and that comes with responsibility,” she said. “I want to go in and the audience to really enjoy it.”

Ever-supportive, Dec has insisted that Holly needs to toughen up before she enters the jungle – famous for its extreme Bushtucker Trials, challenging weather conditions and even dangerous wildlife.

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“I had heard Holly was a bit scared and then saw her doing a Bushtucker Trial on her last day on This Morrning which involved a toy spider and some kittens and she nearly cried doing that,” he said.

“She needs to toughen up fast."