I’m A Celebrity fans will no doubt be wondering why 2023 contestant Nigel Farage is ruled out of some bushtucker trials on medical grounds.
The star is on the line-up of stars heading to the Australian jungle this series, with hosts Ant and Dec returning for another jungle stint. Joining Nigel in camp are This Morning star Josie Gibson, JLS singer Marvin Humes, Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard and EastEnders star Danielle Harold amongst other names.
One big part of the ITV series is the famous trials, but already we have seen GB News host and former UKIP leader Nigel ruled out on medical grounds. Viewers had no doubt hoped to see him tackle some of the big trials, something he joked about before entering the jungle.
He had said: "Given millions hate me, I do expect people will vote for me to do trials! I am hoping those who hate me might hate me a little bit less afterwards. But it's a gamble. If we can dispel some of those misconceptions, then that will be a good thing too."
So why did Ant and Dec confirm fans could not vote for Nigel for the latest trial, and can he do any trial?
With viewers tasked with voting for the celebrity or celebrities they want to take part in the latest challenge, Ant and Dec will always confirm if a name on the line-up cannot compete. The medical grounds are never really explained, while it was reported before the show began that Nigel would have to miss certain tasks.
It was claimed that due to an accident back in 2010 that saw Nigel injured in a plane crash, the star would not be able to complete certain trials. Nigel is ruled out due to a back injury he sustained in the crash 13 years ago.
When asked what trials he could avoid, Farage, who suffered severe injuries in a light plane crash in 2010, said: "Anything involving weightlifting, I'd be out. I've obviously had some quite serious physical injuries and neck reconstructions, and goodness knows what else.
"So they are fully aware that I'm a little bit damaged when it comes to bodily structure. But having said that, I can still do most things. I doubt any of the trials are actually going to kill me, although I don’t think they’ll all be a bag of fun. But look, I signed up for this. It's in for a penny in for a pound. So let's go."
Nigel underwent surgery on his spine a few years after the incident. It was claimed at the time that his spine had already been weakened by an earlier car crash prior to the aircraft incident.
The former UKIP leader was pulled from the wreckage, while he was the sole passenger travelling with the pilot. The plane is reported to have nosedived 35ft into a field and landed upside down.
While recovering he said in a statement at the time "We have both had a miraculous escape. We are both very lucky to be alive." Nigel will still be able to take part in other trials, including the famous eating trials.
