ITV quash rumours Danny Cipriani 'pulled out' of I'm A Celebrity days before start
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is finally returning this weekend, and the final list of contestants has now been confirmed by ITV.
Danielle Harold heading to I'm a Celebrity Focus trial
ITV has denied claims rugby star Danny Cipriani was all set to join this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! before pulling out of the decision "days before" the series starts.
Claims by MailOnline suggest the 36-year-old was going to be paid a six-figure sum for taking part in the hit ITV reality show which returns on Sunday for its 23rd series.
According to the publication, a source stated in August: "He will be the hunk of the lineup and already there is talk of him and shower scenes amongst staff working on the programme.
"There is also huge anticipation that he will reveal secrets from his showbiz lifestyle, he has been linked to many women over the years, and his scandals are well documented too so there will be lots for him to share."
The publication went on to claim Danny's marriage split has led to the decision to pull out of the show.
It has been reported that revelations made in the rugby star's recent autobiography caused the couple's marriage to break down.
However, when contacted by Express.co.uk, an ITV source stated rumours Danny was in this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! lineup were untrue.
Nevertheless, the confirmed line-up seems to be getting fans talking despite the absence of Danny.
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Nigel Farage's casting in particular has seen a huge backlash from fans of the show.
As hosts Ant and Dec shared a video of the 10 confirmed contestants, they wrote: "Here we go!!! #ImACeleb."
They didn't quite get the response they were hoping for though, as the responses from fans were largely negative.
One fan penned: "Always been the one reality show we watch. Not this year lads."
Another added: "It's going to be hard to sell the cheeky chappie lads of the people narrative now fellas. Hancock stretched the elasticity of your popularity - promoting Farage snapped it and pinged it back in your faces." (sic)
While a third wrote: "I grew up watching all of your shows. Now, casting Nigel Farage? Nah. You’re done."
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here returns to ITV on Sunday at 9pm.
