I’m A Celeb: Jill Scott is named queen of the jungle

Jill Scott has been crowned Queen of the Jungle after winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The Lioness, 35, beat politician Matt Hancock, 44, and Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, 23, in the grand final on Sunday evening after surviving 19 days in the Australian camp.

After congratulating the former midfielder on her win, fourth placed Mike Tindall placed the floral crown on Jill’s head as she sat triumphantly on the wooden throne.

She was met at the red bridge by fiancée Shelly Unitt, who embraced the champion with a big hug after the engaged couple spent over a month apart.

Jill’s victory caps off a momentous year for the star after she played in the winning Euros team this summer.

The Lionesses were crowned 2022 champions in August when they defeated eight-times champions Germany to secure England’s first trophy since 1966.

When asked ahead of her jungle stint how she felt about the prospect of winning the title, Jill said: ‘I don’t know yet, it could go either way. Maybe it could be the best year of my life, but the Euros has decided that for me already.

‘Tomorrow is never guaranteed so I’m just always willing to give it my all for that day.

‘So, I haven’t thought too far ahead about winning, I just want to go in there and no matter what the outcome is just kind of make my family proud.’

After living the experience, an emotional Jill said during Sunday night’s show that she was overwhelmed to have made the final.

Talking in the Bush Telegraph, she said: ‘When I first stepped into the jungle and looked around at all of the celebrities, no way was I getting anywhere near that final. To be part of the final three with Owen and Matt, God, it just means the world, it really does.’

Jill ended her playing career with England’s Euro triumph and said her next aim was to develop her passion for coaching.

Following her success in the I’m A Celeb jungle and rise in her profile, it’s been said the star is eyeing up a presenting slot on The One Show and to follow in the footsteps of former Arsenal footballer Alex Scott.

During her time in camp, Jill completed several Bushtucker trials, including Critty Critty Fang Fang, Scareground, and Speak Uneasy, where she drank the likes of blended cockroaches while competing for stars alongside Mike Tindall.

She became a much-loved member of the show with comedian Seann Walsh praising her wit and funny one-liners, which he said could earn her a spot on a show like Mock the Week.

Jill also formed a close friendship with fellow finalist Owen and wasn’t afraid to tease Matt Hancock about failing to adhere to his own Covid guidance during the pandemic.

The star became a fan favourite with her unique dance moves and carefree nature and some viewers are now calling the Sunderland-born contestant the nation’s sweetheart.

During Sunday’s show, Jill, Matt, and Owen endured the final Bushtucker trial of the series to win a banquet in camp.

Taking on the challenge of Rat Race, Jill was forced to lie in a box that filled up with the rodents, which she admitted to hating, as well as cockroaches and mealworms.

She won all five stars up for grabs, which earned the remaining camp mates their starters.

Matt and Owen also won a full set of stars in their respective challenges, Flood Your Face and Bushtucker Bonanza.

On Saturday night, Mike Tindall narrowly missed out on the final after failing to receive enough votes to compete in Celebrity Cyclone.

Jill takes the title from last year’s winner, Emmerdale actor Danny Miller, who was King of the Castle in Wales.

Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher won the show in 2020 and EastEnders star Jacqueline was voted Queen of the Jungle during the last series held in Australia before the pandemic.