I’m A Celebrity 2017: Ryan Thomas rumoured for jungle line-up following brother Adam’s success

Ryan Thomas is being heavily tipped to head into the I’m A Celebrity jungle later this year, following in the footsteps of his younger brother Adam, who proved popular on the 2016 series.

Adam, who is well known for his role as Adam Barton on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, joined the likes of Scarlett Moffatt, Joel Dommett and Martin Roberts in the jungle last year, and finished in third place.

Hot on the heels of his sibling’s success, ITV are now reportedly keen to sign Ryan, who famously played the character of Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, for this year’s celebrity line-up.

A source ‘close to the actor’ told The Sun: “There was speculation before Adam went into the jungle that maybe Ryan would do it – but circumstances went against that and Adam went in and did brilliantly.

“Ryan would be superb in the jungle and there has never been a family member following a family member into the outback ever in all the series.”

The source added: “Fans would no doubt get behind him like they did Adam, and it’d be interesting to see if he reacts to the bushtucker trials in the same funny way.”

The 32-year-old soap star – who is father to Scarlett, seven, with ex-girlfriend Tina O’Brien – departed from Weatherfield last year to pursue a career in Hollywood.

He said at the time: “I feel like sometimes you go round in circles with storylines and being in a soap is like being in a bubble. It’s time to pop it, test myself and take myself out of my comfort zone.”

In other words, book him down for a three-course meal of scorpion tempura, pig brain burger or vomit fruit.

I’m A Celebrity is set to return towards the end of 2017.