Harry Redknapp says I’m A Celeb ‘changed my life’ as he prepares for return

Harry Redknapp has said appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! “changed my life”, as he reflected on his return to the ITV reality show for its all-star series in South Africa.

The former football manager was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018 during the Australian series and has spoken of his excitement at returning to the show, adding: “I’m sure we will have fun.”

Redknapp hailed his previous appearance on the show as “such a great experience”, and spoke about how it altered his life as he prepared to make a late arrival to the celebrity camp.

He said: “I loved it all.

“When I came out from the jungle the first time, I didn’t realise how big a show it was and the amount of people everywhere who watched it.

“Suddenly instead of men talking about football all the time, there were children asking about the show.

“Doing the programme didn’t change me as a person, but it did change my life.”

The 79-year-old added: “I became busier as a result and I went on to do all sorts of things I never thought I would do, like theatre and adverts.”

Redknapp said he is excited about being reunited with presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, adding: “I look forward to seeing the boys.

“They are fantastic.

“It was just such a great experience last time around and I loved meeting people from all walks of life.”

The London-born football star also recounted telling his wife Sandra he wanted to return to the ITV reality series, and said: “She thinks I’m mad.

“She knows what I am like though, and when I told her they’d asked me to do this ‘Legends’ series, she told me: ‘It’s up to you’ – like she always tells me.

“But I will obviously miss her.”

Redknapp will return to the show next week alongside former footballer Jimmy Bullard, who agreed that his first experience on the show in 2014 was life-changing.

The 47-year-old said: “It’s weird because ever since I did the programme, a lot of families have come up to tell me they watched it.

“In the past, it was always lads as I obviously used to play football.

“I don’t think I would have had some of the gigs I have had were it not for I’m A Celebrity.

“My life has definitely changed (for the better) post-I’m A Celebrity.”

Bullard, who is also from London, added that he “would love to go a bit further” in the show rather than finish “stone cold last”, having been the first contestant voted off during his original series.

He added: “It’s flattering that I didn’t get forgotten.

“It’s nice to have another bash at it, but it was tough last time and I know the trials are going to be tough again.”

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! – South Africa can be seen at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player, and will air on weeknights.