Who is Dean McCullough? NI Radio 1 host who's already a fan favourite in I'm A Celebrity

NI radio host Dean McCullough
-Credit: (Image: Dean McCullough/Instagram)


NI radio host Dean McCullough has already won his way into the hearts of fans on this year's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

The Radio 1 DJ is aged 32 and is from Newtownabbey. He has seen his career blow up over the last number of years, featuring on shows such as Big Brother as a panellist.

The new series of the show kicked off on ITV on Sunday, November 17, with Irish boxer Barry McGuigan also making quite the impression on fans.

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The Radio 1 host was among the first batch of celebrities to take on a drinking challenge race, with Dean quickly becoming a meme on social media as he struggled to drink the concoction, adding, "It's playing havoc with my IBS!"

He also won fans over when he raced to pick his partner for the race to the jungle challenge as he selected WAG Coleen Rooney by saying, "Wagatha Christie, you're coming with me!", sending fans into hysterics on social media once again.

Speaking about his phobias ahead of entering the jungle, Dean said: "I am terrified of everything – snakes, green flies, being suspended off a cliff – it’s all torturous. Don’t tell Ant & Dec but I don’t like being confined in tight spaces either!"

On the 'biggest misconception' he wants to dispel in the jungle, the radio host added: "Nothing, but I haven’t drunk for four years and I am very happy to fly the flag for young people who don’t drink. I am happy to show how I do still go raving."

On his best and worst attributes, he continued: "I’d like to think I will bring lots of good vibes. Worst? I am known to wake up in the middle of the night."

Dean McCullough, who will take part in series 24 of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here on ITV1 & ITVX
Dean McCullough, who will take part in series 24 of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here on ITV1 & ITVX -Credit:ITV/Yoshitaka Kono/PA Wire

And on what his role will be in the jungle, Dean said: "A friendly shoulder to cry on and bringing some positive vibes to proceedings. I’m also happy to be the camp cleaner every day."

The Newtownabbey man has said he "will give everything a go", adding: "I want to try and get some stars for everyone. I have travelled the world, I have backpacked, taught in orphanages and I have gone through the mill several times.

"But I am 32 now and it’s time to start a new chapter and learn a bit more about who I am. A three-week therapy session is the perfect way to this."

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player.

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