Masterchef star signs up for I’m A Celeb despite slamming show as ‘puerile’ and ‘dumb’
MASTERCHEF star Grace Dent is to take part in I’m A Celeb this year — despite slamming the ITV show.
The TV food critic, 50, branded the series “a puerile venture into starvation, televised constipation and animal cruelty, abbreviated by ads for Iceland £1 curries.”
She admitted she was embarrassed to watch the award-winning show, saying in 2012: “I snap my blinds firmly shut before settling down to watch I’m a Celeb, in fear the theme tune alone devalues my property.”
Grace has signed a deal rumoured to be up to £100,000 to join fellow celebs and hosts Ant and Dec Down Under in a move which is set to boost her broadcasting career.
An insider said: “Masterchef fans know Grace for her withering put-downs of contestants’ food and disdain for anything less than stellar cooking.
“But she’ll be eating humble pie in the jungle, surviving on rice and beans and taking part in Bushtucker trials.”
Grace will appear alongside ex politician Nigel Farage, 59, jockey Frankie Dettori, 52, This Morning’s Josie Gibson, 38, Ex-EastEnder Danielle Harold, 31, First Dates star Fred Sirieix, 51, Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson, 31, and JLS singer Marvin Humes, 38.
Farage is reported to be receiving £1million for his appearance on the 23rd series, which is due to begin later this month.
An ITV spokesman said: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity are just speculation.”