Asked for three words to describe I’m a Celebrity’s Owen Warner, “wise old man” might not be the first would come to mind.
But while the 23-year-old campmate has spent his time in the jungle soaking up all the information he can, his best friend believes he’s super intelligent when it comes to emotions.
Hollyoaks castmate Malique Thompson-Dwyer says: “Owen is a wise old man trapped in a young boy’s body.
“He might come out with things that you think ‘Oh, c’mon Owen’ but he has an older mindset, that of someone who has been through a lot and knows a lot.
“It can be really hard to open up to your mates but you can go and talk to Owen about anything.
“He is such an open person. I’ve gone to him for help on family matters and personal issues and he’s given me the best advice anyone could ever ask for.”
Malique, who was on I’m a Celeb in 2018, has tipped his friend to win the show, as have the bookies. But the 24-year-old – Prince McQueen in Hollyoaks – knows it can be tough.
He admits he didn’t cope so well before being the second to be voted off.
He says: “Knowing millions are watching can make you crumble. It did me. I’m glad it didn’t affect him.
“He doesn’t have any competition as far as being King of the Jungle goes. But whatever happens I can’t wait to see him and give him a hug.”
The pair both love eating out and Malique’s been impressed with how well Owen has coped with his rumbling tummy – despite the moaning.
He says: “Owen has done brilliantly. In the second week I crumbled because the hunger kicked in.
“It held me back but that’s not been the case for Owen although I know the first thing he’ll want to when he gets off the plane is to get a Nando’s.”
As well as a yearning for peri-peri chicken, Leicestershire-born Owen will be feeling bereft without his pet hamster Pele, being looked after by Hollyoaks castmate Niamh Blackshaw.
Malique says: “Owen loves that hamster. When I go round to his, Pele is always running around in his pen.”
Whether Pele will be on the bridge waiting for Owen’s exit is unknown but the jungle star is set for an emotional reunion with his family. He is very close to his parents and two brothers and the entire clan has flown to Australia.
Malique’s favourite Owen moment so far has been watching him overcome his fear of snakes in the Boiling Point Bushtucker Trial.
“He told me it was the one thing he was scared of so to see him looking one in the eye and getting on with the trial made me really proud of him,” he says.
Owen’s time in the out-back has also allowed him to show off a stunning six pack, much to the envy of Chris Moyles and Seann Walsh. And it’s all honed thanks to regular gym sessions with Malique.
“We spur each other on to be fit and healthy so the gym helps,” he explains.
“But I can’t imagine he’ll want to do that when he gets home. He’ll want to chill with Pele and catch up on the footie.”
