Yahoo News Dec says I'm a Celeb "tinged with sadness" without Ant
The new series of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here is set to kick off this week, with the rumoured cast already landing in Australia.
But one thing that will be looking a little different this year is the presenting line-up, with Declan Donnelly presenting alongside Holly Willoughby rather than Ant McPartlin.
Ant is taking a year out of his TV duties following a stint in rehab for addiction issues, as he continues his recovery.
This Morning's Holly Willoughby is stepping in alongside Dec to take over as co-host for the 2018 series.
Dec, who has presented the show for the last 16 years, told The Sun: "As always I'm incredibly excited to be heading to Oz for I'm A Celebrity.
"It is obviously tinged with sadness that Ant won't be coming this year, I'm going to really miss him, but it's only for one series and he'll be back stronger next year.
"I didn't want to host this series with another guy so Holly was top of my list."
The new dad added: "'I had heard Holly was a bit scared and then saw her doing a Bushtucker Trial on her last day on This Morning which involved a toy spider and some kittens and she nearly cried doing that! She needs to toughen up fast.
"I have given her a few, like always check the inside of your shoes before you put them on and what to do if you get a tick or a leech attach itself to you but I had to stop because I thought she was going to faint!"
Dec also shared the first official picture of him and Holly in Australia ahead of the show's launch.
A post shared by Ant & Dec (@antanddecofficial) on Nov 11, 2018 at 10:03pm PST
Joking about Ant's replacement, he wrote: "Ant's looking well don't you think!? I'm joking of course.
"Holly and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Australia next Sunday night. D."
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! premieres on Sunday, November 18 on ITV.
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