Nigel Farage will be going on I'm A Celeb and could be highest-paid contestant ever

Entering the jungle in the hit ITV show, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, has always come with the promise of fame, adventure, and a hefty paycheck. Over the years, we've seen numerous celebrities embark on this thrilling journey, and many of them have raked in significant sums for their participation.

In a previous season, Boy George was offered a remarkable £500,000, making him the highest-paid campmate at the time. His record was shared with Caitlyn Jenner, who received a similar sum for her appearance in the 2017 series. One notable example is Matt Hancock, the former health secretary, who starred in the show's previous edition. Hancock pocketed a total of £320,000 for his stint in the jungle, and he allocated £10,000 of that fee to charity.

Now, as the 2023 season's lineup remains shrouded in secrecy, rumors are already swirling about the highest-paid celebrity in the show's history. The whispers have gained momentum with the potential involvement of Nigel Farage, the former leader of UKIP and the Brexit party.

Another controversial figure to enter the jungle

Another controversial figure, Nigel Farage, has potentially made his way into the jungle. This comes on the heels of the previous season's participation of Matt Hancock, a politician who faced public scrutiny and controversy due to his involvement in the show.

According to The Guardian, Farage, the former leader of UKIP and the Brexit party, has been seen at Brisbane airport in Australia, adding to speculation that he might be joining the lineup for this year's edition of the popular ITV reality show. While Farage did not confirm his participation when asked, he did mention to a reporter that he 'might be going in.'

This development is intriguing, as Farage had previously ruled out an appearance on the reality show, describing it as 'humiliating.'

The highest-paid campmate in history?

However, it appears that he has had a change of heart, possibly due to the substantial financial offer he received. The Independent suggest that the rumored sum for his participation is a whopping £1.5 million.

Although Farage remained tight-lipped about his involvement in the show, footage of him at the airport revealed an interesting tidbit - he had recently given up alcohol for a week, a move that might hint at his preparation for the show's unique challenges.

Speaking to reporters as he left the airport, Mr Farage said: 'I’m just here surfing for the week.'

In an interview with the MailOnline, Farage shared, 'I can't confirm I'm doing it… I just think there's a big audience out there that watches the programme [who are] actually, people... worth talking to.'

He added: 'I have been messing about on TikTok for the last few months and you would be surprised, a lot of young people out there are interested in what I have got to say.'

This potential entry into I'm A Celeb adds Farage's name to a list of rumored participants that includes TV presenter Josie Gibson, First Dates star Fred Sirieix, and social media influencer Nella Rose. The show, hosted by the beloved duo Ant and Dec and filmed in Australia, is set to start its 2023 series on Sunday, November 19th.

Several other politicians, ex-politicians, and relatives of politicians have also graced the show, including Nadine Dorries, Edwina Currie, and Stanley Johnson, Boris Johnson's father.

ITV executives are likely hoping that his participation would generate as much buzz as Matt Hancock's appearance in the previous season. One insider told The Telegraph: 'It’s going to be all anyone’s talking about for the next few weeks.'

Read more:

⋙ I'm A Celeb's first rumored contestant has allegedly already arrived in Australia, here's who it is

⋙ Phillip Schofield on I'm A Celeb? Vanessa Feltz addresses the rumours

⋙ Matt Hancock: How much was he paid for I'm a Celebrity?

⋙ Boy George's net worth as he becomes highest-paid I'm A Celebrity contestant