I’m A Celebrity 2016: Carol Vorderman ‘set to be offered six-figure sum for new series’

Following months of I’m A Celebrity line-up speculation, Carol Vorderman has become the latest celebrity rumoured to be heading to the Australian jungle, with producers hoping the Countdown star will be the “brains of the camp.”

The 55-year-old is reportedly in talks with ITV and expected to be offered a six-figure sum to appear in the new series.

Copyright [Steve Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

According to a TV insider, producers believe that the blonde presenter will be a hit with older men, especially since she was dubbed “the thinking man’s crumpet” after achieving household-name status.

The source told The Sun: “She is well-known and still carries a lot of sex appeal. ITV chiefs are also hoping that she will be the brains of the camp. She’s a TV legend and they’re preparing to splash the cash to land her.”

Carol famously hosted Countdown alongside Richard Whiteley from 1982 until his early death in 2005, then with Des O’Conner and Des Lynam for three more years before joining the Loose Women panel.

Copyright [ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

In 2014, the mathematician announced her departure from the panel show, explaining that she would be leaving the panel to explore new opportunities – but we will have to wait to find out whether this includes a stint down under.

Vorders joins a shortlist of possible I’m A Celeb cast-members, including Made In Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews and Lauren Hutton, Team GB Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, and former Strictly Come Dancing rivals Ola Jordan and Aliona Vilani.

Craig Charles is also allegedly returning to the show two years after his brother’s shock death.

Copyright [ITV]

The former Coronation Street star was forced to withdraw as a campmate in 2014 after ITV bosses told him that his sibling Dean had suffered a fatal heart attack.

“He was a popular camp mate in the short time he was in and bosses know he would have been a great contestant if he’d stayed on the show,” a source explained to the newspaper.

“They know that he was enjoying getting into camp life but sadly, due to circumstances beyond his control, he was forced to leave and go home to his family.”

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV later this year, with new spin-off show I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp airing straight afterwards on ITV2.