Claire Sweeney in Advanced Talks for 'I'm A Celebrity' After Jesy Nelson's Withdrawal

Actress Claire Sweeney is reportedly in advanced talks to join the upcoming season of "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" This comes after Jesy Nelson, formerly of Little Mix, withdrew from the series just weeks before its launch.

Sweeney, 55, has a potential opening in her schedule following her departure from the soap opera "Coronation Street" in August. She has reportedly had multiple meetings with ITV executives and has cleared her calendar to be available for filming in Australia, should she be selected for the final lineup.

A source told The Sun that Sweeney is a significant fan of the show and has expressed interest in participating. "Claire has had multiple meetings now with ITV bosses and has cleared her diary to make sure she's free to make the journey to Australia if she makes the final cut," the source stated. "ITV are currently deciding their final line-up but Claire has a great chance. She's a soap icon and would be an amazing addition."

Earlier reports indicated that ITV was also in discussions with Mariella Frostrup. Nelson, 35, reportedly backed out of a six-figure deal due to her daughters' ongoing battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. A source close to Nelson stated, "It's with a very heavy heart she has pulled out. Ocean and Story are unwell and there is no way Jesy would leave them. Her family are her priority." The source added that ITV has been supportive and that "the door will always be left open for Jesy."

Sweeney is known for her role as Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap "Brookside" and later as Cassie Plummer in "Coronation Street." She left "Coronation Street" to perform as Miss Hannigan in a touring production of the musical "Annie."

Other celebrities rumored to be in talks for the upcoming series include former footballer Wayne Rooney, Big Brother host AJ Odudu, "Love Island" contestant Chloe Burrows, and actress Joanna Page, known for "Gavin & Stacey."