Paralympian and television presenter Ade Adepitan is understood to be in advanced negotiations with ITV to appear on this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
The 53-year-old’s participation would represent a milestone for the long-running reality show, as he would become the first ever wheelchair user to take part since the show began in 2002.
Mr Adepitan, who lost the use of his left leg after contracting polio at just 15 months old, rose to prominence as a member of Team GB’s wheelchair basketball squad and later carved out a successful broadcasting career.
It’s thought ITV bosses are said to be eager to bring the popular presenter on board for the programme’s 26th series, which returns later this year.
The presenter’s participation would represent a milestone for the long-running reality show
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According to reports, the show’s production team is actively exploring ways to modify both the camp and the Bushtucker Trials to ensure accessibility should Mr Adepitan commit to the programme.
A source told The Sun: “Ade has been in talks with I’m A Celebrity, who are really keen to make it work.
“Producers are currently looking at ways to adapt the camp to make it work for Ade.
“They think his infectious, larger-than-life personality would make him a perfect campmate for the new series.”
Reports state the show’s production team is actively exploring ways to modify both the camp and the Bushtucker Trials
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Another source noted that the programme has considerable experience in catering to contestants’ individual requirements and is accustomed to making necessary adjustments.
GB News has contacted ITV about the reports.
Mr Adepitan grew up in East London, where he took up wheelchair basketball before going on to claim a bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.
His television career began in 2002 when he joined CBBC’s Xchange, making him one of the first physically disabled presenters on British screens.
Just this month, Mr Adepitan took part in wheelchair rugby alongside Prince Harry in connection with next year’s Invictus Games
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He went on to front the 2005 BBC documentary Beyond Boundaries, which saw him traverse rainforests, deserts and mountains in Nicaragua.
He has also covered some major sporting events, such as the London 2012 Olympics and Rio 2016 Paralympics.
He remains a regular on BBC’s The One Show and is a prominent campaigner against disability discrimination.
Just this month, Mr Adepitan took part in wheelchair rugby alongside Prince Harry in connection with next year’s Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Reports suggest Ade will appear in this year’s I’m A Celebrity
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The broadcaster wouldn’t be the first contestant with a disability to take part. Paralympic javelin thrower Hollie Arnold, who was born without her right forearm, featured in the 2020 series.
Additionally, sprinter and cyclist Kadeena Cox, who has multiple sclerosis, appeared in 2021.
Among the other names being linked to this year’s series are Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page and Olympic ice dancer Sir Christopher Dean, 67, who recently retired following the axing of Dancing on Ice last year.
Meanwhile, a new spin-off titled I’m A Celebrity: The Wild Frontier is also reportedly in the pipeline, with celebrity pairs set to face survival challenges in the Canadian wilderness.
Boyzlife duo Keith Duffy, 51, and Brian McFadden, 46, are understood to have signed up.