Read more to find about the rubgy star Mike Tindall.
With just two days left until the first episode of I'm a Celebrity...Get me Out of Here! airs, fans are increasingly curious to know more about the contestants of the 2022 series show as it features actors, presenters musicians, and even a politician.
That being said, one of the contestants, Mike Tindall, is more than just a professional rugby player. What do we know about him?
A sports background
Mike Tindall was born on 18 October, 1978, in Oatley, Leeds, to Phillip Tindall and Linda Tindall. His father Phillip captained the Otley Rugby Union Football Club during Mike's childhood, and this served as a motivator for Mike's eventual entry into the sport of rugby.
Prior to entering the Bath rugby team when he was 18, Mike was enrolled in private education at the Queen Elizabeth Grammer School in Wakefield. After joining the team in 1997, his debut was made through the Six Nations Championship in 2000 where the England team played against Ireland, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.
He then made the achievement of captaining the England rugby team in 2011, and by the time he retired in 2014, he was the last member of the squad who played a part in securing England's win in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Additionally, he has won 75 caps as a player for England.
A return to the jungle
For the past two series, I'm a Celebrity has taken place in North Wales at Gwrych Castle, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions that were implemented at the time. That being said, the show is returning to the Australian jungles once again after two years.
As it is set in the jungle, contestants will be expected to take on relevant tasks as well. One of the most anticipated trials of the show is also a stomach-turning one, which involves eating unconventional things like insects and odd animal eyeballs. Additionally, the show involves under-feeding contestants if they fail to gather enough stars.
the rugby star has noted that he's not worried about the eating trials, and said:
I am eight years out of the game now so I am a bit more realistic about food, but I know James said the lack of food can sometimes be hard. But at least with the eating trials, you get food in you! It might not taste very nice but at least it is serving a purpose and giving you a protein intake. Bring on those challenges.
Part of an important family
Aside from being a retired professional rugby player, Tindall is part of the Royal family. In 2011, he married Zara Phillips, with whom he has 3 children, and with whom he tragically lost a baby. Zara is the late Queen Elizabeth's oldest granddaughter, and her parents being Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, reports Town and Country Magazine.
This makes Tindall the first Royal family member to take part in I'm a Celebrity. Additionally, it is reported that Tindall maintains a strong friendship with Prince William, and he has been pictured having joyous interactions with Prince Harry. The rugby star also maintained a heartfelt relationship with the late Queen and has been photographed making her laugh.
Read more:
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⋙ Prince William and Princess Catherine: Reason for absence from Royal Duties
