Evicted Joe Swash struggled more than he expected on I’m a Celebrity as he had never been out of touch with his family for so long.
Joe, 41, who met TV star wife Stacey Solomon whilst working on the spin-off show in Australia, lost out in the head-to-head Temple of Doom trial against Phil Tufnell.
The ITV show means a lot to Joe, but taking part a second time was hard for the former EastEnder.
He said: “I found it tougher ultimately because of being away from the kids for so long. I missed my family so much. We had our phones taken away and I’ve never not had communication with them before. My kids are young and I knew they wouldn’t really understand where I was and would be upset.
“My family were always in the front of my mind. I found that really difficult. A lot harder than I thought I would.”
Joe won the show in 2008, and then went on to present the I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off series a year later.
In 2010, he met Stacey, 33, who had also just won the series, and the pair started dating. They have since had kids Rex, Rose and Belle together and tied the knot in 2022.
Joe also has a son and Stacey two boys from previous relationships.
Joe said: “I was honoured to go back to be one of the legends. It was a nice experience and something me and Stacey can show our kids and let them know, it all started from the jungle.”
Joe was a late entry with fellow EastEnder Dean Gaffney and they became captains when the camp split into two.
It meant Joe got to bond even more with old pal Dean, 45. He said: “I only really like people around my family that are kind and genuine. Dean is one of those people. I just love him.”
Two more contestants will leave the South African bush tonight.
* I’m a Celebrity... South Africa, ITV1, 9pm tonight. Full series on ITVX.
