Caroline Flack ‘favourite to replace’ Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celebrity as he continues recovery in LA

The Love Island host could step in for McPartlin should he choose not to return this year
Replacement? Caroline Flack is favourite to step in for Ant McPartli
ITV
Jennifer Ruby5 October 2017
The Weekender

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Caroline Flack is reportedly being lined up to fill in for Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celebrity as he continues to recuperate in Los Angeles.

The Love Island presenter is thought to be in talks to step in and host the show alongside Dec Donnelly, should McPartlin choose not to return this year.

Filming for the new series has already been pushed back after McPartlin flew to LA following his recent stint in rehab.

While show producers have insisted that McPartlin is all set to return, Flack is now bookies’ favourite to step in if he decides against it.

Much-loved hosts: Ant and Dec will hopefully be back to host the show
ITV

“Usually, Z-list celebrities are scrambling to appear on I’m A Celebrity as contestants – but now it seems like a top job might be available,” said a spokesperson for PaddyPower.

“Caroline might have copped a lot of Flack for her time fronting X Factor, but her experience on Love Island should serve her well for going Down Under.”

ITV bosses are thought to have pushed back initial filming dates for the annual reality show while McPartlin recuperates in the US.

According to reports, a promotional shoot was due to take place at Pinewood Studios but has now been delayed until he is back in the country.

I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here 2016

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“It would have been the first day filming but with Ant away, there is no way they could get started,” a source told the Sun.

“He’s gone to get away from the spotlight. He’s in recovery and it’s important he has time and space.”

Crew members are due to fly out to New South Wales in the next few weeks to start preparations for the seventeenth series of the show.

The popular TV presenter spoke publically about his battle with alcohol and prescription painkillers earlier this year, thanking fans and his wife for their continued support.

Evening Standard has contacted ITV for comment.

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