Ever since it was announced that Ant McPartlin wouldn't be returning to work on time to co-host 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!', speculation has been rife about who would be filling his shoes on this year's series.

Now it has officially been confirmed that 'This Morning's Holly Willoughby will be the one taking on presenting duties alongside Declan Donnelly in the jungle this year.

Holly was a front-runner for the job the last few weeks although the likes of Stephen Mulhern and Scarlett Moffatt were also thought to be in the running. We were rooting for the Aussie 'I'm A Celeb' host but sure whatcha gonna do.

As well as presenting 'This Morning', Holly also co-hosts 'Dancing with the Stars' alongside Philip Schofield and is a team captain on the ITV2 show 'Celebrity Juice'.

Holly said: "I couldn't be more excited to have been asked to stand alongside Dec for the next jungle adventure. I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery.

"These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit... Honestly, I'm a huge fan of 'I'm a Celebrity' and actually feel like I've won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show! When is it a good time to tell Dec I'm scared of everything that moves?!"

Whicle Dec said: "I am hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year. She was at the top of my list and I'm thrilled she said yes.

"It will be a different kind of series but we will try our best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers. I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials!"

Ant McPartlin is expected to return to work in the new year and said in a statement earlier this month: "My recovery is going very well, and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off. I'd like to thank both Dec and ITV for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to work in the new year."

While Dec added: "Whilst I am obviously sad at the thought of being without my best friend in Australia this year, I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately and I am fully supportive of his decision.

"I'm looking forward to us both being reunited on screen in 2019."

 

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