It’s that time of year again: I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! is returning for another year, promising viewers three weeks full of drama, creepy crawlies and bush-tucker trials.
This year’s line-up of star-studded campmates includes former X-Factor judge and N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos, Wagatha Christie detective and WAG Coleen Rooney, and Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse, along with Coronation Street’s Alan Halsall and Loose Women’s Jane Moore.
Another name that will head into the jungle tonight is Melvin Odoom. Here’s everything you need to know about the DJ and reality TV star.
Who is Melvin Odoom and what is he famous for?
Melvin Odoom was born in England on July 30, 1980, and is the son of Baba Odoom, a Ghanaian musician and producer, as well as the brother of actress and writer Yonah Odoom. He is 5ft 5in tall, and single, as far as we can find out.
Before finding fame, he graduated with a media performance degree from the University of Bedfordshire.
Odoom is best known for his lengthy radio career. Alongside Rickie Haywood-Williams and Charlie Hedges, Odoom hosted Kiss FM’s breakfast show for 12 years. The trio moved from Kiss to BBC Radio 1 in 2019, where they began hosting the late-night show and live lounges between Mondays and Thursdays.
Aside from radio, the 44-year-old is also known for his appearances on children’s TV: he appeared on Dick & Dom in da Bungalow, The Slammer, and Basil’s Swap Shop throughout the 2000s.
What other TV shows has Melvin Odoom appeared on?
As a host, Odoom has presented shows including The Xtra Factor alongside Rochelle Humes, Bang on the Money, and the 2010 BRIT Awards, and appeared on various shows including Sweat the Small Stuff and celebrity Take Me Out.
I’m A Celebrity isn’t the first time Odoom has appeared on reality TV, however. In 2016, he participated in Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Janette Manrara. He will be hoping for more success this time around, though, as he became the first celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.
How does he feel about going into the jungle?
“Over the years, loads of my mates have done it – Joel Dommett, who I love to bits, Roman Kemp, Jordan North and I am very close to Marvin Humes,” he said.
“I will get to meet some really cool and talented people and so I am trying to appreciate all of those positive aspects rather than think about lying in a coffin with creepy crawlies on my face, as I know that will freak me out. I am scared of everything!”
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs on weekdays and Sunday at 9pm on ITV
