With over two decades of captivating reality TV fans, ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ has become a monumental TV staple. The show’s iconic hosts, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, affectionately known as Ant and Dec, are as much a part of the show as the jungle itself. But can the show maintain its charm without the beloved duo? According to a former winner, the answer might stir some debate.
A Winner with a Vision
Sam Thompson, the vivacious winner from ‘Made In Chelsea,’ joined the 2023 lineup of ‘I’m A Celeb’. His time among fellow celebrities like pop singer Marvin Humes and politician Nigel Farage was both exhilarating and revealing. It led to his strong and, perhaps, ‘unpopular’ view about the show’s future — without Ant and Dec, the magic fades.
The Heart and Soul of ‘I’m A Celeb’
Sam doesn’t just make idle comments; he passionately believes that Ant and Dec bring the show to life. “They are that show,” he once candidly shared with the Chronicle’s Screen Time team. His conviction is clear: the show should conclude if the dynamic duo departs.
Reflecting on potential successors, Sam is quick to dismiss the idea. Both he and his co-host Pete Wicks might be fan favorites, but the reality star admits he “wouldn’t want to” step into those shoes. It’s not about the opportunity, but about maintaining the heart of ‘I’m A Celeb’.
Beyond Hosting: The Jungle Experience
Sam’s time on the show offered insights beyond hosting duties. He describes the jungle as a transformative place, stripping celebrities of luxuries, leaving only genuine human connections. “You sit around for four weeks…it’s just you and the people,” he reminisces.
The jungle isn’t all heartwarming narrative. Sam recalls an encounter with a leech — a vivid memory from his early days that serves as a forewarning for future contestants. “If you don’t like leeches then you are scr***d,” he humorously warns.
Can Change Sustain Show’s Legacy?
Ultimately, Sam’s opinion raises an important question: can ‘I’m A Celeb’ thrive without Ant and Dec? His take certainly provokes thought among fans who have grown up alongside the charismatic hosts.
According to Chronicle Live, the star-studded journey might face new challenges if ever devoid of its iconic leaders. The future holds the answer, but for now, it’s a topic ripe for discussion.
Sam Thompson may have emerged victorious from the jungle, but it’s his candid insights that truly make him a conversation starter.