Ant & Dec gasp in excitement as they react to this year’s I’m A Celebrity line-up

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly couldn’t contain their excitement as they were given a sneak peek of I’m A Celebrity campmates for this year’s series on Friday.

The double-act beamed from ear-to-ear and clenched their fists with joy as producers presented them with this year’s line-up in an Instagram video.

Stars rumoured to be setting foot in the Grade I listed 19th-century country house include Richard Madeley, former EastEnders actorJake Wood, choreographer Arlene Phillips and ex-BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin. 

Unfortunately for avid fans of the long-running show, the images had been blurred out in a bid to maintain their secrecy.

‘Here we go, number one,’ announced a member of the crew before the pair began clapping with Ant, 46, shouting, ‘Yes!’

‘Very, very good,’ Dec, 45, commented of another contestant before the pair raised their eyebrows and said, ‘Ooh.’

Dec’s face was certainly a picture towards the end of the clip as he opened his mouth up wide and bulged his eyes in shock at one of the new cast members.

‘That’s amazing. We’re happy,’ they concluded – leaving fans beside themselves with anticipation in time for the reality show’s November return.

Wow! Ant shot a surprised look at producers after one sensational reveal

Coming soon: Preparations for the upcoming series are underway at the camp in Gwrych Castle, North Wales, which will play host for the second consecutive year (pictured in 2020)

Oh no! Unfortunately for avid fans of the long-running show, the images had been blurred out in a bid to maintain their secrecy

Nail-biting: Fans of the show, including last year’s Queen of the Castle Giovanna Fletcher, rushed to the comments to share their elation

Fans rushed to the comments to share their elation, writing: ‘I have a feeling this I’m a celeb is gonna be brilliant,’ and, ‘i wanna knoww whooo [sic].’

Last year’s Queen of the Castle Giovanna Fletcher chimed in with, ‘I cannot wait to watch! Xxx.’

Preparations for the upcoming series are underway at the camp in Gwrych Castle, North Wales, which will play host for the second consecutive year due to travel restrictions surrounding its usual home on Australia’s east coast.  

Famous face: Rumoured to be in the line up for this year’s programme is broadcaster Richard Madeley and choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips (both pictured in 2021)

Other famous names reported to be in the running are Gogglebox’s Tom Malone Jr, Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure, Chaser Jenny Ryan, ex-Corrie star Lucy Fallon and Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler.

ITV bosses are facing a scramble against time to renovate the dilapidated building – which is now closed to the public – and its surrounding areas ahead of the new series expected to begin in November.

The reality show, which usually films in the Australian wilderness, was forced to relocate to the dilapidated castle following fears Australia could shut its borders because of the ongoing pandemic.

Producers have since filed an extensive planning application to the authorities in order to make the country house inhabitable in time for the new series. 

Steve McDonald Vs Ian Beale! Coronation Street’s Simon Gregson [L] is reportedly set to compete against EastEnders soap rival Adam Woodyatt [R] on I’m A Celebrity 2021

Setting: This year’s show has once again relocated from sunny Australia to Wales amid Covid restrictions, with the famous faces once again heading to Conwy County