IN just a matter of days 12 very famous faces will descend on Gwrych Castle in Wales.
The show returns THIS SUNDAY (November 21, 2021) with an eclectic mix of the country’s best loved soap stars sharing the dunny with football heroes, while music legends will conjure up rice and beans alongside Olympians.
Frankie is set to follow in the footsteps of husband Wayne on the show.
The singer-turned-TV star, a regular on Loose Women, is taking part after ITV chiefs are said to have offered her a bumper deal.
Former Chelsea footballer Wayne, 41, finished fifth in 2016, but was ticked off by Frankie, 32, for talking about their sex life.
Now he will be the one watching from home with their sons Parker, eight, and Carter, six, as Frankie sits around the campfire.
TV star Richard, 65, is said to have agreed a contract worth an estimated £200,000.
He teased viewers in a recorded video, which was broadcast on Tuesday (16 November), by saying he’d “welcome any trial just for something to do” as he is so bored in quarantine.
“I’ve been in quarantine for about 10 days now and, if any of you have been in quarantine, my god, it’s boring,” he said. “I mean, I’d welcome any trial just for something to do.”
Richard, who is married to fellow TV host Judy Finnigan, 73, is known to be a “huge fan” of the ITV show.
Arlene, 78, is set to be the show’s oldest contestant yet – beating Harry Redknapp who took part at 77.
Choreographer Arlene is currently very in demand and is set to join the Dancing On Ice panel after John Barrowman was axed.
It will be her first big TV job since the BBC sacked her from Strictly in 2009.
But before all that Arlene will be put to the test in the castle.
She remains unfazed by being the show’s oldest ever contestant, saying: “I am always the oldest and so I am used to it.”
The food on the show is the least of her worries, but she is mainly concerned with the trails as she does not like spiders and any other animals she will likely encounter at Gwrych Castle.
Diving fans were delighted to hear that bosses have signed up Tom Daley’s Olympic diving partner Matty Lee.
The Olympian shot to fame overnight after winning gold with Tom, 27, in the synchronised dive at the Tokyo games this summer.
The 23-year-old is said to be “excited” about the challenges and will “thrive under pressure”.
Speaking about joining the show, Matty said: “My two childhood dreams were to win an Olympic medal and take part in my favourite TV series. And now I am doing both this year!”
“I am really looking forward to the Trials and also, to be around different people will be fun too. I am used to just being around athletes.
“I think I will definitely freak out at rats and I know I will scream. Heights won’t be an issue though! I am obviously used to diving off 10-metre boards.”
Music producer Naughty Boy – real name Shahid Khan – was set to enter the castle last year but had to pull out at the last minute, and was hastily replaced by eventual runner-up Jordan North.
He’s now putting on his camping boots and is ready to swap mixing with music A-listers for some other household names.
The star has collaborated with Beyonce, Sam Smith and Emeli Sande, so should have some amazing stories to share around the camp fire.
Speaking about joining the show, he said: “I want people to know the real me. I am not a celebrity at all. My music is the celebrity and now is the chance for me to show people what I am really like.”
He added: “I don’t know what people in the music industry will think about me being in the Castle but having a break from everything is something I think everyone should have and do once a year.
“I love my friends and family, but I think it is good to have a break and time out.”
Radio 1 Extra host Snoochie Shy is heading into the castle – to bring a spot of glamour.
The 29-year-old from Eltham, South-East London is a model, brand ambassador, presenter as well as a DJ.
Snoochie – real name Cheyenne Davide – is married to rapper Michael Dapaah, better known by his stage name Big Shaq, and has been a member of the Radio 1 team for three years.
Sharing her concerns over joining the series, she said: “My mum keeps laughing, as she knows I am such a scaredy cat!
“Bugs and I are not friends, I don’t like heights and I am claustrophobic.”
She also opened up about how she is nervous about not wearing makeup on the show as it will reveal a birthmark on her cheek.
“It has been an insecurity of mine in the past but I am also excited to face up to it,” she said.
