Larry Lamb 'splits' with partner of 20 years Clare Burt

Was anyone else left a little baffled when Larry Lamb was met in the jungle by a mysterious new French ladyfriend?

Well, Larry’s old jungle chum Martin Roberts has helpfully filled us in.

It turns out that Marie Victorine is the ex-EastEnders actor’s “lovely new lady” – suggesting he’s split with his partner of 20 years Clare Burt.

“By the time it was our final morning, having breakfast with Kirsty and the kids and who should walk up but Larry and his lovely new lady Marie and I just thought I need to do something here,” Martin said while explaining how he ended his feud with the Gavin and Stacey star.

So unless Martin’s just indulged in a quite brilliantly nasty prank, it sounds like Larry really does have a new woman.

Marie featured heavily in last night’s I’m A Celebrity reunion show, telling cameras as she drove off to meet him: “I am very proud of Larry. He has been busy looking after everybody, which I must say he does always. I will give him a big hug. He deserves it – more than one!”

The couple then stood arm in arm on the jungle bridge.

69-year-old Larry was also photographed with Marie at a charity event back in October, but was still widely believed to be in a relationship with The Bill actress Clare as he set off for his time in the jungle. The couple have two daughters together, Eloise and Eva Mathilde.

The Sun has contacted both Larry and Clare for comment to no avail.