I’m A Celebrity’s Boy George and Mike Tindall arrive in Australia for show

Boy George cut a colourful figure as he arrived to meet I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on Friday ahead of his appearance on the show.

The singer, 61, arrived on a luxury super yacht in the Australian city of Surfers Paradise, Queensland, showing off his typically flamboyant style in a funky outfit covered in different shapes.

He was joined by former rugby union player Mike Tindall, 44, who was also seen making an entrance by speedboat. 

Meanwhile, Ant and Dec rocked up in style as they donned dark sunglasses and rode on a speedboat before joining the group on the luxury yacht.  

Jungle ready: Boy George, 61, cut a colourful figure as he arrived to meet I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on Friday

The pair will join three of their fellow cast members – Place in the Sun property expert Scarlette Douglas, Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, and Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver – as they endure a tough night on a desert island before heading into the jungle camp.

The fivesome will head off to the desolate location off the coast of the Pacific Ocean where they will have to fend for themselves.

George was seen flanked by security as he made his way to a speedboat Marina Mirage, with the star shading himself beneath a large black umbrella.

He appeared in great spirits as he smiled and waved before zooming off to his next destination.

Mike meanwhile looked happy and relaxed as he sported a navy patterned shirt for the occasion.

The royal was all smiled as he chilled out on the boat ahead of starting his jungle experience. 

Ant and Dec later followed and the Geordie duo couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces as they prepared to begin filming scenes, following a two-year absence from Australia.

The pair were surrounded by staff members and security, and were also shielded by umbrellas as they made their way to the smaller boat.

They then cheerfully waved to onlookers as they headed off on the water and went to great the celebrity stars. 

A show insider told The Sun: ‘The first twist will see some celebrities dumped on an island in the Pacific while the rest of the group head into camp.

Fun in the sun: He was joined by former rugby union player Mike Tindall, 44, who was seen making an entrance by speedboat

Here they come! Meanwhile, Ant and Dec rocked up in style as they donned dark sunglasses and rode on a speedboat before joining the group on the luxury yacht

In style: Boy George showed off his typically flamboyant style in a funky outfit covered in different shapes

Making a splash: He arrived on a luxury super yacht in the Australian city of Surfers Paradise, Queensland

Ready for action: The star will head off to the desolate location off the coast of the Pacific Ocean where he and his fellow contestants will have to fend for themselves

All smiles: The star was seen grinning as he sat on the boat ahead of meeting the hosts of the show

‘However the beautiful island will not be what it seems and the group of unlucky celebs will face a terrifying night while completely exposed to the elements.

‘They will feel like Robinson Crusoe on the island and it will make the Jungle camp feel like a palace.

‘Bosses are determined that this series will be the biggest yet and viewers will be glued to the screen as the celebs test themselves to the max.’

Royal connection: Mike has confirmed wife Zara will be flying to Australia to support him ‘if it got to the end’

First for everything: The former England rugby ace is the first member of the Royal family to compete in the ITV series, which kicks off on Sunday

Full support: His appearance has the full backing of Zara, 41, who is King Charles’ niece, but he’s told how the Olympic equestrian star has begged him not to embarrass her

Speaking out: Speaking from New South Wales, Australia, Mike, said: ‘We have some work out here so if it got to the end then hopefully, she’d be able to come out’

The remaining members of the cast will take place in the terrifying ‘Walk the Plank’ challenge which has been filmed on top of a huge tower block close to the beach on the Gold Coast.

The task sees the stars teeter along a narrow walkway 32-storeys above the ground before they turn around and come back again after a wait at the end – hopefully without falling off.

Comedian Babatúndé Aléshé was unable to confront his fear of heights and was unable to take part in the Walk The Plank trial which traditionally kicks off the series. 

Looking forward: ‘Zara told me to go and be myself, which is all you can be. She said to go enjoy and be yourself’

Undercover: Mike was seen sheltering from the sun under an umbrella as he arrived for filming on Friday

Battle with the elements: HIs umbrella was whipped out of shape as he walked along in the breezy conditions

In a new twist this year there was the addition of a third platform for celebrities to dare the skywalk and the task was renamed The Ledge.

Previous years have seen celebrities compete for more luxury when they enter camp by walking towards the star at the end of the platform, leading many stars to face their crippling fear of heights.

Yet Babatúndé, 34, fell at the first hurdle and after a 45 minute deliberation was unable to complete the task, despite watching Jill Scott and Charlene White take on the challenge.

Keeping it casual: The sports star wore a blue and white patterned shirt and shorts as he arrived

An onlooker told The Sun: ‘Babetunde was really struggling during The Ledge and everyone felt for him.

‘Jill and Charlene were being really encouraging of Babetunde but to no avail. He stood there thinking and willing himself to do it for almost an hour but in the end he chose not to do it.’

It comes as sportsman Mike Tindall confirmed wife Zara will be flying to Australia to support him ‘if it got to the end’.

Making an entrance: Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver is also taking part in the show this year

The former England rugby ace is the first member of the Royal family to compete in the ITV series, which kicks off on Sunday.

And his appearance has the full backing of Zara, 41, who is King Charles’ niece, but he’s told how the Olympic equestrian star has begged him not to embarrass her with his uncouth eating style.  

Speaking from New South Wales, Australia, Mike, said: ‘We have some work out here so if it got to the end then hopefully, she’d be able to come out.

‘Zara told me to go and be myself, which is all you can be. She said to go enjoy and be yourself.

Missing Weatherfield? The star was seen walking along with some minders as she prepared to meet her fellow contestants

‘Zara’s biggest worry is how loud I am when I eat. She will be very happy if someone comments about how loud I breathe when I eat because it’s always a point that she brings up.’

Also appearing this year are Love Island star Olivia Attwood and DJ Chris Moyles, Loose Women’s Charlene White and retired England Lioness Jill Scott.  

It was revealed on Tuesday that Matt Hancock is also heading to the Australian jungle as a surprise late arrival.

The MP, who quit as Health Secretary after cheating on his wife during the pandemic with long-term aide Gina Coladangelo, will become the 12th celebrity heading Down Under.

Anticipation: Sue was yet to learn she would be camping out on a desert island before heading into the main jungle camp

After playing a central role in coordinating the government’s response to Covid, Mr Hancock’s political career has flagged of late, and last week he was snubbed by Rishi Sunak after the new PM dodged his attempt at a greeting outside Tory HQ.  

He becomes the latest in a long list of political figures to try their luck on the ITV reality show, including MPs Nadine Dorries and Lembit Opik, and Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley

ITV bosses have confirmed to MailOnline that this year’s show, which returns to Australia for the first time in two years following the global pandemic on Sunday, will be the toughest ever for celebrities – with 24 trials to face in 21 shows.

Speaking from the Australian jungle, executive producer, Olly Nash, said: ‘We are filming more than we’ve ever done before and there will be more elements over more shows.  

‘In Wales we couldn’t really do stuff that was outside because of the weather and the big storm but this year we can be outside again.

‘We have more big rigs; we have more big, slimy, dirty trials, and a lot more competitive trials. There are 24 this year and there are 21 shows.

‘On the last day the final three each take on a trial. Cyclone is absolutely back.’

I’m A Celebrity begins on Sunday, November 6 2022 at 9pm with a 105 minute special. It will then air every night of the week and both weekend nights after the launch – all at 9pm. 

I’M A CELEBRITY 2022: THE FULL LINEUP

BOY GEORGE

BOY GEORGE

AGE: 61

CLAIM TO FAME: Legendary pop star

PHOBIAS: Being scared

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, I am going straight into the jungle from playing at various festivals and gigs

ROLE IN THE CAMP: In-house dietician reassuring everyone that they will be ok on the jungle diet. And entertainer – I will sing!

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a very positive person and I don’t bear any grudges

DREAM CAMPMATE: It would be funny if my ex, Jon Moss, comes on the programme -but I don’t think that will happen!

CHRIS MOYLES

CHRIS MOYLES

AGE: 48

CLAIM TO FAME: Radio DJ

PHOBIAS: I am petrified of heights. I ended up carrying the bags when we took my girlfriend’s niece once to Go Ape as I am so petrified!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? A friend’s birthday, a wedding, and Leeds United matches

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer. Hopefully I can help shorten everyone’s boredom.

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hiding food! I am going to fly out early and sneak into the jungle and hide pot noodles everywhere, then I will be everyone’s best friend!

DREAM CAMPMATE: Ant and Dec…let’s see how they cope for 24 hours!

SUE CLEAVER

SUE CLEAVER

AGE: 59

CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street

PHOBIAS: Don’t be ridiculous! I am not going to admit to what I fear most!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Coronation Street and we are expecting another grandchild any day, so hopefully it will arrive before I fly out to Australia.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will be more of a mum – that is where I will naturally fit.

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I am a good listener, so hopefully I will be a friendly ear for everyone.

DREAM CAMPMATE: Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold. He is my TV husband and it would be lovely to have an ally in camp!

SCARLETTE DOUGLAS

SCARLETTE DOUGLAS

AGE: 35

CLAIM TO FAME: Presenter of A Place In The Sun

PHOBIAS: Spiders. There is no point in lying about it! I’ve got an irrational fear about them

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Just a holiday which I can postpone

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum, cook and morale booster. I always like to look at the positive side in life

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I will be good at making sure everything is tidy in camp

DREAM CAMPMATE: Mo Gilligan. He is hilarious and I totally fancy him!

BABATÚNDÉ ALÉSHÉ

BABATÚNDÉ ALÉSHÉ

AGE: 36

CLAIM TO FAME: Comedian

PHOBIAS: I am scared of absolutely everything. Snakes, rats – I am fearful of them all and I am dreading the trials

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I was going on tour but we’ve postponed it now until next year

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Tension breaker. If I can break tension anywhere it starts up in the camp, then I will do that. We don’t need to be bickering as it will be a first-time experience for everyone

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hopefully I will bring some humour to the camp

DREAM CAMPMATE: I am a big Arsenal fan and so any ex-Arsenal player would be great. I am looking forward to chatting to Ant & Dec about football

MIKE TINDALL

MIKE TINDALL

AGE: 44

CLAIM TO FAME: Rugby Union player and married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall

PHOBIAS: I haven’t admitted to having any phobias but in a weird way, I am looking forward to taking part in the trials!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My podcast series and the rugby Internationals this autumn

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Morning motivator. I would like to see everyone get on well and us all have a great experience

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a positive person

DREAM CAMPMATE: Samuel L Jackson would be cool. He has lived the life!

OWEN WARNER

OWEN WARNER

AGE: 23

CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Romeo Nightingale in Hollyoaks

PHOBIAS: Snakes!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I am a big fan of football so I will miss watching the start of the World Cup

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer and games coordinator

BEST ATTRIBUTE: It is definitely not my cooking skills or brains!

DREAM CAMPMATE: Any of the Leicester City starting 11!

CHARLENE WHITE 

CHARLENE WHITE

AGE: 42

CLAIM TO FAME: ITV newsreader and Loose Women anchor

PHOBIAS: I am not sure what my fear factor will be because I’ve never had rodents, spiders and snakes crawling all over me!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My children’s annual school ball which I am gutted about

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum and cook. I don’t mind falling into that position

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I like to listen and talk. I love learning about people and I have a natural curiosity for people

DREAM CAMPMATE: Colin Murray and Richard Osman

JILL SCOTT

JILL SCOTT

AGE: 35

CLAIM TO FAME: Retired England Lioness

PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats and the thought of being underground fills me with fear!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? The Men’s World Cup. I am going to find it weird not being able to know how the men are getting on in the tournament. Hopefully they will still be in the tournament when I come out of the jungle

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Helping hand. I like to help people if they aren’t having a good day

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hard worker. I will always find a way to add value. I am also very honest

DREAM CAMPMATE: Another sports person would be great as it would be someone to bounce ideas off.

OLIVIA ATTWOOD

OLIVIA ATTWOOD

AGE: 31

CLAIM TO FAME: Love Island star

PHOBIAS: I hate the dark so I’m keen to avoid any challenges in the darkness

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, had the show been on air any later, I could have missed my sister’s wedding

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Clown. I was always the class clown at school and I love having a laugh

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I don’t take myself seriously and I have got a good sense of humour

DREAM CAMPMATE: A pop legend like Dolly Parton who has amazing stories to tell