Since the show’s inception in 2002, people have always been divided on the usually questionable line-up, and the 2025 instalment has been no different.
Though we’ve got some young, fresh talent in the form of Aitch and Angry Ginge, your mum is pleased with additions like Ruby Wax, Martin Kemp, and Lisa Riley. Though personally I feel that the ability to appeal to a wide array of ages has always been a positive, once again, the 2025 I’m A Celeb line-up has been branded “the worst line-up in history” by British tabloids.
“This is the line-up for I’m a Celebrity and, as usual, no idea who they all are,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another said: “I’m A Celeb line-up this year is the worst in a long time, with the exception of Martin Kemp.”
Though I’m not sure these celebs would have changed people’s opinions about the line-up, they’re certainly a gold mine for viral moments when the show’s viewing figures are in a bushtucker trial of their own.
Nick Ferrari was part of the original I’m A Celeb line-up
Credit: LBC
Controversially, I’m A Celeb has always platformed politicians, political commentators, or just objectively awful people with awful opinions. Case and point: Nigel Farage and Matt ‘social distancing doesn’t apply to affairs’ Hancock.
Journalist and broadcaster Nick Ferrari was initially pegged to join the 2025 I’m A Celeb line-up, but he pulled out when LBC allegedly offered to match his fee if he stayed on the air.
‘[Radio bosses] pledged to match any fee he was set to receive as they consider him such a vital and well-loved part of the LBC schedule,” a source told The Sun.
“Ultimately, Global was able to flex its financial muscles and managed to keep their man. If he had signed up, he would have been off air for up to six weeks which they were keen not to happen. Nick is really well liked by those working on LBC and everyone thinks he has played a blinder by getting a payrise out of it.”
Andi Peters allegedly turned down a six-figure payday
Credit: Good Morning Britain
Andi Peters, who you should recognise from breakfast shows Live & Kicking, GMTV, Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, reportedly turned down a six-figure cheque to appear on I’m A Celeb.
“I always say never say never,” he said on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast.
“I was asked to go into it this year. I get asked most years and I’ve always said no. The cheque is quite big. But I’ve chosen not to. It is well known that it is one of the best-paying shows on television.”
He also referenced wanting to protect his family, arguing that he just wants to do his job and go home. He’s not interested in the fame aspect of it.
He explained: “I come from the older generation. As far as I’m concerned, you do a job because you do a job because you like a job.
“If you work at a supermarket, and you finish on the till, you go home, and that’s your life, you don’t even think about your work until you get back there. Everybody has a platform to voice their opinion. I will never let somebody be horrible or mean or slag me off to somebody that’s a relation of mine.
“They didn’t choose to be a relation of mine. That’s blood. Therefore, I do what I do. They do what they do. And the two don’t need to cross.”
Angela Rayner was in ‘advanced talks’ but pulled out
Credit: Lorraine
The former deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, was reportedly in “advanced talks” to appear in I’m A Celeb 2025. ITV “felt it was going to happen”, but it ultimately fell through because of her intention to return to politics following the scandals earlier this year.
“She got really quite far – and her people – in talks to do this,” Guardian columnist Marina Hyde revealed on her podcast. “If you thought last week was chaotic for Labour, try and imagine this week if Angela Rayner was now basically running a proxy leadership campaign by the meme of eating kangaroo testicles on ITV prime time.”
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Featured image credit: ITV
