Celebrities read their own press, you know. And I’m a Celeb host Declan Donnelly couldn’t help but poke fun at some of the ridiculous things written about co-host Holly Willoughby – live on air
As one of ITV’s most valuable exports, you’d expect Holly to demand the best from her job, but recent reports by Mail Onlinethat she has a 13-strong entourage in the jungle and a £5m pay packet have all but been dismissed by the stars themselves.
On last night’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, Dec addressed the claims that Holly’s role on the show was costing producers tens of thousands to accommodate her entourage and extra demands - including on-set schooling for her kids Chester, Harry and Belle.
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During a sketch involving jungle-themed eau du parfum (appropriately called ‘Bruce’ and ‘Sheila’), Dec said that the woman’s version was “slightly pricier at $3 a litre – but you can afford it, I’ve read how much you’re getting for this AND I’ve read all about the entourage as well.”
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Clearly finding the claims hilarious, Holly burst out laughing.
Later. on Xtra Camp with Scarlett Moffat and Joel Dommet (third host Joe Swash was in hospital, having got a cockroach lodged in his ear canal), Declan raised the claims again, to raucous laughter.
Despite addressing these reports on air, Holly is one of the shows biggest assets, and has been credited by show bosses as being the main draw of women aged 16 – 24 to the show.
“ITV want to make it clear that she is theirs and they are prepared to pay her for it,” a source told the Mail on Sunday.
"With the exception of Ant and Dec, Holly is their most popular and well-known presenter, and they see her as their main appeal to the female market."