I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost (Image: ITV)

Former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! contestant and two-time jungle veteran Gillian McKeith has spoken out about what ITV needs to do to boost ratings for the latest season. The controversial former show star weighed in on the new series which kicked off yesterday (November 17).

In her column for the Express, Gillian revealed: "The key for the viewers is that there needs to be some kind of discord. We need tiffs and soon."

She went on to add that everyone getting along will be a huge flop.

"Lovey-dovey, everyone getting along akin to singing ‘Kumbaya’ does not make for must-watch TV. It’s OK for a first episode that they supposedly all love each other so much. But there are a couple of personalities in there who will probably ‘stir the pot’, especially once hunger sets in. I want to see the raw, real, authentic reactions boil to the surface."

This year’s cast boasts a diverse line-up, including Coleen Rooney, Danny Jones from McFly, Tulisa Contostavlos, TikTok sensation GK Barry, and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse.

Read More... I'm A Celeb star branded 'unbearable' minutes into show after complaints

Gillian caused quite a stir during her time on the show (Image: ITV)

McKeith, who competed in 2010 and again in 2023, singled out Rooney as "the one to watch," speculating that the WAG is entering the jungle with a calculated strategy.

"Coleen is entering with serious ‘Game Face’. She is no stranger to drama and I am certain she wants to win," The Scottish star explained.

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"She will come in with a solid game plan but act like she is just innocently cruising along. Coming in with the detective skill-set strategy, she will be reading everyone like a book, calculating who might be a threat, who might crack, and who to keep close."

McKeith, 65, also suggested that ITV could deliver a ratings goldmine by bringing in Coleen’s "Wagatha Christie" nemesis, Rebekah Vardy, to the jungle. "What we all really would like to see is her nemesis Rebekah Vardy make an appearance for the showdown of all showdowns," she said. "If ITV want to see their ratings go through the roof, Rebekah needs to get in there."

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Turning to other campmates, McKeith highlighted Danny Jones as a strong contender. "Danny Jones from McFly is one of my favourites. I could see him going all the way to the end."

The mum-of-two couldn’t help but laugh at some of the opening episode’s memorable moments, such as Dean’s IBS joke and his struggle with a vile smoothie challenge. "Dean delivered the best line explaining the jungle experience is ‘playing havoc with his IBS.’ Had me in stitches," she added.

As the new series unfolds, McKeith believes the true test will come when hunger and fatigue push contestants to their limits. For now, she’s keeping a close eye on Coleen Rooney, who she believes has the potential to "stir the pot" and claim the jungle crown.

 

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost

I'm A Celeb legend shares one thing ITV 'need to do' for ratings boost