Holly Willoughby 'In Secret Talks' To Replace Ant McPartlin On I'm A Celebrity

Holly Willoughby is rumoured to be in 'advanced secret talks' about the possibility of her joining Declan Donnelly on this year's series of I'm A Celeb.

It was announced earlier this year that Ant McPartlin wouldn't be returning to the jungle in 2018 as he focuses on his recovery.

Since Ant's announcement, there have been plenty of stars linked to the role, including bookies' favourites Caroline Flack, Davina McCall and Stephen Mulhern, but they were all ruled out by ITV chiefs.

Fellow Geordie Scarlett Moffat was also rumoured for the role but she announced she would be remaining on spin-off show, Extra Camp.

The This Morning presenter could be flying out to the bush if producers can find cover for her ITV daytime slot - that's if Holly can bear to leave husband Dan Baldwin, 43, and their three children for the four week job.

"Not only is she loved by ITV bosses and the nation, but she is also one of Ant's closest friends.

"Flying the flag for him in his absence means the world to her."

He told the festival: "The good news is he's [Ant is] doing well he's doing everything he should be doing to get better.

"We collectively thought let's give it a good enough time off because this thing is a slow procedure so that's what we've decided to do.

"He's not going to go to the jungle but Dec is, we'll find someone to go with Dec."

The launch episode of last year's series attracted 11.2 million viewers after Ant made his return to TV after a stint in rehab.

During the introductions Dec joked about having Holly Willoughby as his new co-star before Ant appeared to say he had returned.

Ant returned to rehab earlier this year after he was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.