Jake Wood heading for I'm A Celeb jungle?

11 July 2021

Jake Wood is reportedly in advanced talks to take part in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'.

Jake Wood

The former 'EastEnders' star - who portrayed Max Branning on the long-running BBC One soap from 2006 until February 2021 - is said to be keen to follow in the footsteps of previous cast members by taking part in the ITV jungle show.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “He would love to go into the jungle.

“He thinks it would be a great challenge for him and he has of course seen how well other '­EastEnders' stars have done on the series.”

Previous 'EastEnders' stars to have competed on 'I'm A Celeb' include former Roxy Mitchell actress Rita Simons and Shane Richie (Alfie Moon).

Another insider added: "The casting team have booked half of the campmates already and have been bragging about some phenomenal names.”

Earlier this year, it was revealed that ITV is hoping the show will return to Australia this year.

The reality show - which is hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly - had to be moved from its usual jungle setting to Gwrych Castle in North Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, but bosses are keen to head back Down Under.

ITV's chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said: "If we can go back to Australia – and this show is meant to be in Australia - then that’s what we’ll do.

"We have a very good plan if not, as we have already done it once [in the castle]."

Her comments came after Ant admitted he would be "very happy" for the show to head back to Wales if they needed to.

He said: "If during coronavirus we have to stay put and do it in Wales again, I’d be very happy. We were very welcomed in Wales. There were cardboard cut-outs of me and Dec in the butcher’s, and the local school did a tribute.

"We’d happily go back there. We’d miss the sunshine, mind."

And co-star Dec revealed he'd like to see some "grumpy" celebrities on the show.

He explained: "Don’t get me wrong, I loved it last year, and it was lovely, and I think it was the show we all needed. However, I’d like a couple of grumpy celebs."