Comedian Leigh Francis, known for his role as Keith Lemon, is reportedly in 'advanced talks' to join the upcoming season of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'. Hosts Ant and Dec have referred to Francis as their 'dream signing' for the show.
Sources indicate that the 53-year-old personality is being considered for a spot in the Australian jungle for the ITV program, which is set to air later this month. During an appearance on the duo's podcast, 'Hanging Out with Ant and Dec,' Ant expressed a direct plea to Francis: "Leigh, come on! This is our plea to you. Get in the jungle. You know you want to. It's a lot of fun, and we'll be there."
Dec echoed this sentiment, stating, "If we got Leigh Francis in the jungle... and we had to stand by and watch him do a trial, let's try and make that happen." The presenters suggested that Francis's participation would be a "full circle moment," referencing a sketch from 'The Keith Lemon Sketch Show' a decade prior where Francis and actor Adam Booth impersonated Ant and Dec. They also humorously suggested a desire for revenge through a Bushtucker Trial.
A potential appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity...' would mark a significant return to television for Francis, whose show 'Celebrity Juice' concluded in 2022. His last on-screen appearance was in 2024 on 'The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer.' Representatives for Leigh Francis have been contacted for comment.
The news follows reports that other celebrities are also in discussions to join the series. Actress Claire Sweeney, 55, is said to have a gap in her schedule following her departure from 'Coronation Street' in August and has been in talks with ITV. Additionally, Mariella Frostrup was reportedly being considered after Jesy Nelson withdrew from a six-figure deal due to her daughters' battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1.
Other individuals reportedly in discussions for the show include football legend Wayne Rooney, 'Big Brother' host AJ Odudu, 'Love Island' contestant Chloe Burrows, and 'Gavin & Stacey' actress Joanna Page.