The anticipated lineup for the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here has sparked excitement among fans, with surprising speculation about the participation of a notable star.

MasterChef personality Grace Dent, 50, known for her discerning judgment on the culinary creations of MasterChef contestants, could potentially be journeying to Australia alongside hosts Ant and Dec to offer her critical eye on jungle meals. Her expertise in critiquing dishes on MasterChef, both from celebrity contestants and the general public, as well as her role as a judge on BBC Two’s Great British Menu, adds weight to her potential involvement in the show.

While rumours concerning potential £100,000 deals for figures like Phillip Schofield and Nigel Farage have generated mixed reactions among fans, Grace Dent’s possible venture into the jungle marks the most recent speculation, despite her prior public disapproval of the show.

In the past, Dent had expressed rather scathing opinions about the show, describing it as “a puerile venture into starvation, televised constipation, and animal cruelty, abbreviated by ads for Iceland £1 curries.” She even admitted to shunning the show in fear that its mere theme tune might devalue her property, as stated in 2012.

However, recent reports from The Sun suggest a possible turnaround in her stance, hinting at her participation in the challenging trials down under. An insider shared insights, noting Dent’s known critical commentary on MasterChef and her aversion to anything less than exceptional cooking, juxtaposed with the potential reality of her partaking in the more gruelling aspects of jungle life, including enduring the basic diet of rice and beans and engaging in Bushtucker trials.

In response to these rumours, ITV has maintained a stance of uncertainty, mentioning that any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity remain speculative until confirmed.

The past season featured former Health Secretary and MP Matt Hancock, who attempted to connect with the British public through his experiences on the show. Despite facing various Bushtucker trials, his controversial stint led him to secure a third-place position. Subsequently, Hancock made an appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Teasing the return of the Jungle Retreat, hosts Ant and Dec released a brief 10-second clip featuring glimpses of the familiar setting of trees and the iconic bridge, concluding with shots of sun loungers in the sun, leaving fans eager for further revelations.