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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Ant McPartlin reveals hilarious birthday gift for Declan Donnelly as they film I’m A Celebrity spin-off

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have given fans a glimpse of their life in South Africa as they film a spin-off show to I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

The presenters took to Instagram on Sunday (September 25) to mark Dec’s 47th birthday and hilariously showed off the plethora of biltong, a South African snack made of edible dried, cured meat, that Ant, 46, gifted him.

Fans watched as the duo arrived on set and thrilled crew members showered Dec with confetti while wearing party hats to mark his special day.

The former Byker Grove stars were then seen sitting beneath a gazebo close to their dressing room as Ant decided to give his pal his presents.

Broadcaster Ant cheekily gave Dec neatly gift-wrapped portions of the South African snack that increased with size as he opened each present.

Dec said to Ant: “How does it feel having your birthday on I’m A Celebrity?’ to which Dec replied: ‘It’s weird, isn’t it!”

Ant and Dec gave fans a glimpse at Dec’s birthday celebrations in South Africa (Instagram/AntandDec)

Calling Dec a “very special guy”, Ant encouraged his long-term friend to open his birthday presents, starting with the smallest items first.

After Dec unwrapped the first gift, Ant shouted: “Biltong! Do you like biltong? We’re in South Africa!”

When Dec responded positively, Dec excitedly exclaimed again: “Biltong!”

The presenter then proceeded to open more packets of biltong, with the star looking increasingly baffled as each pack grew in size.

Once he had unwrapped all his presents, Dec cheekily quipped: “Can I carry on eating my muesli now?” much to Ant’s laughter.

Dec received a raptous response from the crew when he arrived on set (Instagram/AntandDec)

Several stars from I’m A Celeb’s past have been tipped to appear on the upcoming spin-off, including former Hear’Say singer Myleene Klass, Helen Flanagan, Corrie star Andy Whyment, and model Janice Dickinson.

Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell, boxer Amir Khan, former EastEnders cast member Dean Gaffney, Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo, and ex Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo are also rumoured to have signed up.

The new series will reportedly run in addition to the usual Autumn instalment and is likely to air in early 2023.

Ant gifted Dec several packs of biltong for his birthday (Instagram/AntandDec)

It’s thought the spin-off will be a slightly shorter format of two weeks instead of the usual three.

Elsewhere, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is returning to the Australian jungle in November for the first time in three years after it was held in Gwrych Castle in North Wales due to the pandemic.

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