I’m A Celebrity star Jordan North has said he believes the new Welsh setting of the reality show is “harder” for contestants.
The series - which is usually set in the Australian outback - was re-located to Wales last year due to the pandemic. North was the runner up in the series, behind author and blogger Giovanna Fletcher, with performer Shane Richie, Olympian Mo Farah and presenter Vernon Kay also taking part.
The 2021 edition of the ITV show is set to return to its new Welsh location - the historic Gwrych Castle in Abergele.
North, 31, who since September this year has presented the BBC Radio One drivetime show with Vick Hope, taking over from Nick Grimshaw, said he thought the inclement British weather made it harder for campmates.
“I think the castle is totally different to the jungle,” he said. “I think it is harder, I really do. In the jungle you can sit around in the sun all day when you are not doing much, the jungle is a beautiful environment.
“I am not saying Wales isn’t beautiful but that castle is cold. It is cold it is damp it is dark. It was awful. I think it is a lot harder. I think it is a bit more sinister, the trials feel more dark, more sinister.”
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The line-up for the 2021 series - which usually begins in November - is yet to be confirmed.
The likes of presenters Maya Jama, Richard Madeley and Piers Morgan have been linked to the show - as has former footballer Paul Gascoigne.
North said his advice to any campmates would be: “Just be yourself. If you try and play up to the cameras, you will get found out. And try not to get in to any arguments.”
North, who is originally from Burnley but is now based in London, said the show had changed his life.
Since appearing on I’m A Celebrity in December 2020, he has not only got the drivetime slot on Radio One but seen his podcast - Help I Sexted My Boss - go from strength to strength.
He also recently filmed ITV series Beverley & Jordan: Destination Wedding where he travelled through Spain with former Coronation Street star and fellow campmate Beverley Callard across Europe before the latter’s emotional wedding vow renewal ceremony with husband Jon McEwan.
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North said about his whirlwind 2021: “It has been a mad year. It has been the busiest I have ever been.”
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He also said he got “butterflies” when turning up to work at Radio One every day - suggesting it was a “total joy” to host the show.
Speaking about talking over the helm from Grimshaw, North said: “We just got told that someone wanted to leave. When we found out it was Grimmy it was like: ‘Oh god, those are big shoes to fill.’
“Overall, we are really happy with how the show is going. I love working with Vick. I love going in. I get butterflies every time I go to work. She makes me laugh every day. It is a total joy, going on air with your mate.”
Beverley & Jordan: Destination Wedding starts Wednesday 20th October on ITV1
