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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Ekin Karasin

I'm A Celebrity stars will battle in 'most competitive launch ever' to win access to new luxury lodge

The I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestants have a major challenge on their hands in the opening episode (ITV/PA) -

This year’s batch of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! campmates will battle it out in an epic race in the “most competitive launch ever”.

The celebrities will kick-start their jungle journey by pairing up and taking part in a number of challenges during the ITV show’s premiere on Sunday, November 17.

The likes of WAG Coleen Rooney, singer Tulisa Contostavlos, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, and McFly’s Danny Jones have flown to Australia’s Gold Coast ahead of the big day.

The winning pair will be awarded the coveted title of the first leaders of camp, they'll be exempt from any chores, will get to sleep in the Leaders' Lodge, and run the camp exactly the way they'd like. 

The luxurious Leaders' Lodge boasts two comfy beds with mattresses, shelter from the rain, as well as plush duvets and pillows to keep them warm and snug during their jungle stay. 

The notorious camp leader chair has also transformed this year, with two red leather-bound seats for the two equal leaders of camp.

Campmates should also expect the unexpected as there's a hidden twist guaranteed to shake things up which will unlock more power and additional perks for the camp leaders.

While the stars are used to taking part in grueling and often stomach-churning challenges on the show, there has been speculation that Rooney, 38, might be exempt from trials due to her reactive arthritis.

The television personality shut down the rumours in a rare video on her Instagram Story on Monday.

“There’s been a lot of news saying I am exempt because of various illnesses. But I can confirm I can do every trial, so I am not excluded from any, and I am looking forward to it,” the mother-of-four said.

Rooney also acknowledged that sleeping rough in camp will be a “massive change” from the lavish lifestyle she is used to.

She added: “But I’m looking forward to having some time to think about things and reflect, which I never have time to do that much because I’m always in mum mode, constantly thinking and planning.”

She shares four sons - Kai, 14, Klay, 10, Kit, eight, and Cass, five - with footballer Wayne Rooney.

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday, November 17.

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