Culture

I’m a Celebrity 2021: Frankie Bridge favourite to win, but soap icons look a good bet

The TV logo for I'm a Celebrity...Get me out of here!

Frankie Bridge, former member of The Saturdays, has emerged as the hot favourite to win this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. Bookmaker William Hill has the star a 7-2 favourite to be crowned Queen of the jungle when the hit show returns to our screens November 21. Bridge follows in the footsteps of husband Wayne, who finished fifth in 2016.  

The series will once again be staged at Gwrych Castle in Abergelein, North Wales, and will be hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly. 

Other cast members expected to take part include Simon Gregson, better known as Coronation Street’s Steve McDonald, who will take on EastEnders’ longest-serving actor Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale.

EastEnders’ icon Woodyatt, has been AWOL from E20, starring in a theatre production of Peter James’ Looking Good Dead, and has reportedly long been in the sights of I’m a Celeb… producers. The bookmaker reckons the Weatherfield staple has a 9-1 chance, Woodyatt is priced at 8-1.

Arlene Phillips is expected to be named the show’s oldest ever contestant, at 78, just beating 2018’s king of the jungle, Harry Redknapp (77)…

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge, and legendary stage choreographer, Arlene Phillips, is expected to be named the show’s oldest ever contestant, at 78, just beating 2018’s king of the jungle, Harry Redknapp (77). Phillips is priced at 20-1.

Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley is being hailed a huge coup for the reality show, and looks certain to be a Bushtucker trials favourite, 12-1.

Former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin is 5-1 second favourite, after swapping the famous red sofa for the castle. BBC co-anchor Dan Walker is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing

Tom Daley’s diving partner and Olympian Matty Lee, also looks to be heading to the Welsh jungle, and after winning gold in the synchronised diving at this summer’s Tokyo Games, is priced at 10-1. Shahid Khan (DJ Naughty Boy), who had originally planned to take part last year but was replaced by eventual runner-up Jordan North, is 12-1.

Eltham-born Radio 1 Extra host Snoochie Shy, real name Cheyenne Davide, is 12-1, Emmerdale star Danny Miller, aka Aaron Dingle, is 6-1, Frenchman and former Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa flair footballer David Ginola is 8-1, and decorated para-sport athlete and Celebrity Masterchef champion Kadeena Cox, 30, is 16-1.

Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky

Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release.  A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…

Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range

Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…

Licensed to thrill: The Macallan marks Diamonds Are Forever with 55th anniversary Bond whisky

The Macallan has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky to mark the 55th anniversary of Diamonds Are Forever. The release continues the whisky maker’s creative partnership with the Bond franchise, following its James Bond 60th Anniversary bottling in 2022. Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Maker Russell Greig, the expression takes inspiration from Bond’s…