- Bellew, 40, will enter the I’m A Celebrity jungle as a latecomer to a new series
- Former world cruiserweight champion revealed family tragedy ahead of launch
- Frankie Dettori, 52, and Bellew will enter the jungle together in a few days
Former boxer Tony Bellew will appear as a latecomer on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity, the first episode of which airs on Sunday.
Bellew revealed on his social media that he had recently dealt with a family tragedy with the passing of his grandmother just a day before the show’s launch.
The former Cruiserweight World Champion shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his love and admiration for his grandmother, who played an important motherly role in his life.
On Instagram, Bellew wrote: ‘Good night Nan! I will love you forever girl.. A wonderful mother to me. Mom, I can only imagine it was a difficult time.
“You carried me and my three brothers as if we were your own! I can’t lie, it was like having two moms! You always put us on the right track and told us! You were the boss of our house…
Former boxer Tony Bellew will appear as a latecomer on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity
Bellew revealed his grandmother’s death just a day before the show’s launch
The boxer posted a heartfelt message via Instagram to share the news with his followers
’97 years old! You were a lady and a boss to the end. I love you, Nan.
Despite the personal loss, Bellew prepares to join the other latecomer, Frankie Dettori, in the jungle.
The duo are expected to integrate into camp life alongside a host of names including This Morning’s Josie Gibson and Britney Spears’ sister Jamie Lynn Spears.
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage will also join them, with Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, Eastenders’ Danielle Harold and YouTube sensation Nella Rose filling the jungle.
JLS singer Marvin Humes, food critic Grace Dent, First Dates’ Fred Sirieix and Nick Pickard are the latest stars to grace the jungle’s infamous bush tucker trials and challenges this winter.
Jockey Dettori, 52, and professional boxer Bellew, 40, will join as latecomers – joining last year’s Matt Hancock and Seann Walsh for the 23rd series of the show.
Bellew will enter the jungle as a latecomer together with former jockey Frankie Dettori
A glimpse of the first challenge has seen celebrities skydiving from a helicopter
