I’m A Celebrity: Sir Ian McKellen Supports George Shelley

Who knew I’m A Celebrity would have a big fan in legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen, eh?

Sir Ian made an appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Now! last night, announcing his support for Union J’s George Shelley and revealing whether or not he’d ever give the jungle a go.

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Admitting he’s backing George, George, George of the Jungle, Sir Ian said: “I met Union J at the Pride of Britain awards about a year ago and I went to see them on stage and George and I have hooked up a bit since.

“He’s doing brilliantly. Of course he looks gorgeous but you know. George has inner strengths, mark my words - I think he’ll go right to the end.

“He hugs absolutely everybody but he’s got a lot of love in him has George.”

Asked how he thinks George will get on in the Bushtucker Trials, Sir Ian replied: “He is stronger than he seems. He may seem like a willowy youth but there is a man in there and he’ll stride along. He’ll be fine.”

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“As long as he’s smiling, he’ll be fine.”

Well, how could you not smile when you’re wearing a monkey onesie?

Copyright [ITV/REX Shutterstock]

Sir Ian also shared some advice for George, adding: “Get as much sleep as possible.”

The best advice for the jungle, actually. Tiredness and lack of food is NEVER a good combination (we should know).

Asked if he’d ever be tempted to go on the show though, Sir Ian was clear that it wasn’t for him.

He said: “I am not going into any jungle, but if I did I hope I’d have a pillow and that I can sleep. I can sleep in most places, so that’s my good quality. My worst quality is that I get bored easily.”

Would he do I’m A Celebrity next year? Erm, sadly not, as he replied: “No, no, no, no.”

Are you SURE we can’t persuade you, Sir Ian?

I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.