EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has disclosed the reason he finally accepted the offer to appear on I’m A Celebrity.
The actor admitted that his contract ending at the BBC had opened up the opportunity to appear as a wild card on the flagship ITV reality show, saying: “I’ve known about doing I’m A Celebrity for a long time and I can’t wait to go in now.
“I don’t mind if I am first or last in the castle – I am just really looking forward to being on the show.
READ MORE:ITV I’m A Celebrity: Viewers already calling for 2 contestants to leave camp
“Why have I finally said yes? Because I am not in EastEnders. That is the honest answer. I am not in contract with the BBC so I can come and do it.
“Everyone thinks I am Ian Beale and so it’s going to be great to show I am not.”
Although he continued to leave fans guessing as he has refused to confirm rumours that he plans to leave the soap for good following his time in Gwrych Castle in Wales.
Viewers would be sorely disappointed if this was the case for the star’s EastEnders character Ian Beale is a firm fan favourite.
When asked what his plans were after his stint in the jungle, the star remarked: “I will go with what happens.
“I might take the summer off and go and work at my mate’s restaurant when he does the pop-up stalls at food festivals. I did it a couple of times this summer and I enjoyed it.
“But I am just now really looking forward to doing I’m A Celebrity. Programmes like this were a blessed relief during the lockdowns last year and I can’t wait to go in.”
The 53-year-old, originally from east London, was one of the original characters in EastEnders when it launched in 1985.
He announced last year that he was taking time out from EastEnders, with his last scenes filmed in November 2020.
Adam said: “It will have been a year since I was last in EastEnders by the time I go in. I’ve enjoyed my time so much. I am very much enjoying my life and doing things I want to do.”
Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news, views, features and opinion from across the city?
MyLondon’s brilliant newsletter The 12 is absolutely jam packed with all the latest to keep you keep you entertained, informed and uplifted.
You’ll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. It’s the perfect lunchtime read.
And what’s more – it’s FREE!
The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our journalists cover all the news you need – from City Hall to your local streets, so you’ll never miss a moment.
Don’t skip a beat and sign up to The 12 newsletter here.
The actor claimed that the Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge’s 1.3 million Instagram followers would ensure she was named Queen of the Castle.
He commented: “I’m not going to win it. Frankie Bridge has got too many followers on Instagram. She has already won it. I am going in there to just enjoy myself, to challenge myself and have a laugh.”
Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email tara.cobham@reachplc.com
Want more news? Sign up to My London’s FREE newsletters here .
Discussion about this post