Victoria Derbyshire ‘has signed up to star in I’m A Celebrity’

Victoria Derbyshire has reportedly signed on for the forthcoming series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Outta Here! which will take place at Gwrych Castle, in Wales.

The BBC journalist, 52, is said to be ‘really looking forward’ to be joining the line-up, which will allegedly also include stars like AJ Pritchard and Vernon Kay, according to a report from The Sun on Thursday.

A source speaking to the publication claimed: ‘Victoria is always game for a challenge so when she was approached for I’m A Celebrity she jumped at the chance.

Exciting: Victoria Derbyshire ‘has signed up to star in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Outta Here! for show’s first UK-based series’, it was reported on Thursday

‘It’s always something she’s wanted to do but because of her family she’s never wanted to fly to Australia and be away from them for so long.

‘When the show moved to Wales and the opportunity came up, she didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth so said yes straight away.’

The source added that Victoria was keen to start filming as she wanted to get straight into the challenges, which will no doubt be markedly different compared to past series given the location change from Australia to North Wales.

MailOnline has contacted Victoria’s representatives and I’m A Celebrity spokespeople for comment.  

Keen: The BBC journalist is said to be 'really looking forward' to be joining the line-up, which will allegedly also include stars like AJ Pritchard (pictured, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly)

Keen: The BBC journalist is said to be ‘really looking forward’ to be joining the line-up, which will allegedly also include stars like AJ Pritchard (pictured, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly)

Right time: It was claimed Victoria has 'always wanted' to be in the show but she didn't want to be away from her family, so the relocation to Wales gave her the opportunity to finally sign up

Right time: It was claimed Victoria has ‘always wanted’ to be in the show but she didn’t want to be away from her family, so the relocation to Wales gave her the opportunity to finally sign up

Earlier this month, AJ addressed speculation he is set to appear on the show, and claimed he was keen to be on it alongside his brother Curtis.

During an interview with the Mirror, AJ was asked if he was planning to visit Wales any time soon, as they quizzed him on an I’m A Celeb appearance.

‘We would love to do I’m A Celebrity together,’ AJ said, speaking alongside his brother and fellow professional dancer Curtis. 

Before AJ could say another word, Love Island star Curtis, 24, said: ‘I feel so sorry for anyone because when you’re in Australia and obviously everyone’s starving aren’t they.

Ready for a challenge: Earlier this month, AJ Pritchard addressed speculation he is set to appear on the show, and claimed he was keen to be on it alongside his brother Curtis

Ready for a challenge: Earlier this month, AJ Pritchard addressed speculation he is set to appear on the show, and claimed he was keen to be on it alongside his brother Curtis

‘They do the challenges for food, when you’re in the warmth and you’re hungry, you can get away with it.  

‘But in Wales, in the peeing down rain, cold, winds, horribleness, and you’re starving as well, I feel so sorry for them.

‘It doesn’t rain in Wales does it?’ AJ asked, evidently tongue-in-cheek.  

Challenge: The dance professional will take on gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions at the ITV show's new location, Gwrych Castle in North Wales

Challenge: The dance professional will take on gruelling challenges and be forced to endure freezing weather conditions at the ITV show’s new location, Gwrych Castle in North Wales

‘It’s down for snow at one point, supposedly,’ Curtis cheekily told his brother.       

A source close to AJ confirmed to MailOnline earlier in October that he will be heading to Gwrych Castle in Abergele as he prepares to star in his first big TV project since hanging up his dancing shoes.

The source said: ‘AJ is really excited – he can’t wait to get going and for the show to start. It was always his aim to do more TV work after leaving Strictly and there’s no bigger challenge than I’m A Celeb.  

‘He’s an early riser, into his fitness and a dedicated person – he hopes being part of camp will give viewers the chance to get to know him better. 

‘The only downside is he won’t be taking part with brother Curtis, who he’s really enjoyed working with since lockdown.’ 

AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis.’

Double act: AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on 'opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis'

Double act: AJ quit Strictly Come Dancing in March after four years on the series, telling fans he wanted to work on ‘opportunities in the presenting world alongside brother Curtis’

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