Amir Khan has admitted he only knew two I’m A Celebrity South Africa stars before heading back into the jungle.
The pro boxer has joined a slew of familiar campmates in giving the iconic ITV show another shot, with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly putting them through their paces.
The 36-year-old was the latest participant to be removed in tonight’s programme, joining Shaun Ryder and Gillian McKeith.
Amir made his debut appearance on the 17th series in 2017, when he got into a bit of difficulty after the infamous ‘Strawberry Gate’ with comic Iain Lee.
And, despite being part of an All Star cast for the second time, he admitted he didn’t know many of them.
Following his exit, Amir said: ‘To be honest with you, I didn’t really know anyone in camp when I entered. I’m really bad.
‘The only people I knew in there was Toff and Carol Vorderman.
‘I’m also really bad with names, I always get names wrong but people made that a bit of a joke and had a laugh about it.
‘Luckily, they all had their names on the back of their t-shirts so sometimes I’d have a little peek at their backs as I couldn’t remember their names.
‘But I had the best excuse ever. I’d say, it’s not because I’m dumb, it’s because I’ve been fighting all my life.’
Despite only knowing former Countdown host Carol and Made in Chelsea star Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo, who was named Queen of the Jungle in the same series as Amir, he formed bonds with other campmates as well.
Amir said: ‘I got on really well with Jordan [Banjo]. We’re a similar age and he loves boxing. He knew more about boxing than I do!
‘He was telling me about fights that I didn’t know about, which was a bit embarrassing!
‘I was like, “Yeah, yeah, I saw that one!” I must admit, I don’t really watch that much boxing myself. But he was talking about it loads.
‘And someone else was Tuffers [Phil Tufnell]. Lovely guy, cricket man, sportsman.
‘But I just loved his banter. He is a very funny character. I just loved being around him. He’s a little bit childish as well so I really got on with him. He’s a funny guy to be around.
‘Another one, Paul Burrell. Paul is a really lovely guy. The last two or three days in camp we really got close. We started having little chats.’
Amir elsewhere compared his second round on the show to be one of his best ever experiences, saying: ‘It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It’s like I got to be with a new family in South Africa.
‘I’m always going to compare it with my first time in Australia but this one, for me, was way better. Great camp, the campmates were amazing.
‘Even though I would have loved to have stayed in a little bit longer, sometimes what can happen is, if you stay longer, you can outstay your welcome. It was just a great experience and I’m just glad I had the opportunity.’
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa continues tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.
