We can’t lie – we would have loved to see him in the jungle (Picture: David Levenson/Getty Images)
David Baddiel has opened up about his decision not to take part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, admitting it ‘caused him pain’ to turn down what sounds like would have been an eye-watering sum.
High-profile individuals including Boy George, Seann Walsh and Matt Hancock are currently taking part in the 2022 series, with the former health secretary reportedly being paid £400,000 for his stint in the jungle.
While for some celebrities, the idea of entering camp and taking on Bushtucker Trials can be a bucket list dream, for others, it is anything but.
Comedian and author Baddiel admitted in a recent tweet that he has been contacted about joining the show in the past, but it wasn’t his cup of tea.
Nonetheless, the amount of money he was offered sounded like it was extremely desirable.
‘In the past I’ve been offered I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here but if I were to have a personality transplant and do it and then was asked, like various contestants did to Matt Hancock last night, why I was doing it, I would say, without a seconds thought, “For the money,”’ he confessed on Twitter.
Baddiel revealed the ‘pain’ it caused to say no to the paycheck (Picture: Twitter/@Baddiel)
In response to someone who asked how much he was offered to do it, Baddiel replied: ‘A fair wedge, I have to say. I mean it caused me a little pain to turn it down, is all I’m saying.’
While tweeting about I’m A Celeb, the screenwriter also appeared intrigued by the response Walsh had to Hancock’s entry into the jungle, considering the pair arrived at the same time as latecomers.
When they made their entrances in the separate ‘Mole Headquarters’ camp, Walsh burst out into uncontrollable laughter when he realised the MP had also joined the programme.
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Hancock and Walsh have been working together as undercover moles in camp (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
The duo seemed to get on swimmingly while taking part in their first Bushtucker Trial, as well as while taking on secret missions as the undercover moles in camp.
‘As someone who knows @SeannWalsh a bit I also, whilst watching it last night, wondered about how he felt about being cast as Matt Hancock’s mate,’ Baddiel remarked.
Another Twitter user questioned the Jews Don’t Count writer on whether he’s ever been invited to do Strictly Come Dancing – but unfortunately, that’s another programme he has no interested in taking part in.
‘Oh yes. And once again, it’s a no from me,’ he responded.
Last month, it was alleged that Boy George had signed up for I’m A Celeb with one of the biggest paychecks ever, reportedly bagging £879,000 to participate.
This year’s cast is said to be worth around £76million in total, as a result of their combined fortunes.
Metro.co.uk has contacted David Baddiel’s representatives for comment. ITV declined to comment.
I’m A Celebrity returns tonight at 9pm on ITV.
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The comedian was offered ‘a fair wedge’ to enter the jungle.
