I’m A Celebrity 'signs up' EastEnders legend Shane Richie as new logo drops

I'm A Celebrity 2021
(Image credit: ITV)

I'm A Celebrity has just released this new logo with a castle to reflect the fact that the new series is coming from Wales rather than Australia. Will Shane be crowned king of the castle?

I’m A Celebrity has reportedly signed up former EastEnders star Shane Richie for the new series of the ITV reality hit.

The 56-year-old actor, who’s best know for playing Albert Square’s Alfie Moon, is apparently the latest big name to sign up for I’m A Celebrity 2020.

An insider told The Sun: “ITV have always wanted Shane for the jungle but with panto not happening this year and other work opportunities less likely, he decided this was the time to take the plunge.

“Going to North Wales is less of a huge commitment than flying halfway across the world, too, so he jumped at the chance.

“He’s already being talked about by production as an early favourite as he’s such a likeable bloke and known to millions of soap fans.

“ITV are delighted they’ve maned to convince him to take part.”

EastEnders Alfie Moon Kat Moon

Shane Richie as Alfie Moon

Another former EastEnders star, Jessica Plummer, is also reportedly heading to the castle for the new run of I’m A Celebrity. Jessica played Chantelle Atkins on the soap.

If either Shane or Jessica win the series they’d join a host of other EastEnders stars to have triumphed on the show.

MORE: All the past winners of I'm A Celebrity since the very start

Jacqueline Jossa, who played Walford’s Lauren Branning, won the 2019 series. Charlie Brooks, who played Janine Butcher, won the 2012 title. While Josh Swash, who played Mickey Miller in EastEnders, was crowned king of the jungle way back in 2008.

Other rumoured names for the new series of I’m A Celeb include former Coronation Street favourite Beverley Callard and ex Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard.

I’m A Celebrity this year will be filmed in Wales rather than Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new series, presented by Ant and Dec, will start in November (see our TV Guide for more shows to enjoy).

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!