I’m A Celebrity’s first contestant lands in Australia weeks before ITV series set to start

The first contestant for ITV's I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has touched down in Australia, two weeks before the show kicks off. Jockey Frankie Dettori was spotted Down Under after a successful race in the US over the weekend.

On Sunday, he shared on social media: "Hi everyone, I am here in California at the moment. I will get on the plane after racing, I'm coming to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup."

"Unfortunately, this year I'm suspended, so I can ride but I will support the Melbourne Cup carnival for the week, see some old friends riding and have a smashing time at the racing. Hopefully, we see some good winners, so make sure you come and see us."

The 52 year old star was seen starting his media duties around the prestigious Melbourne Cup meeting in Australia. He was caught hugging friend and fellow jockey Damien Oliver and giving some tips for the upcoming races.

Frankie is in Australia way ahead of other I'm A Celebrity contestants, who usually arrive a week before the show. It's believed he has TV work and promotional duties related to racing for most of this week.

He's then expected to take a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane to meet with ITV execs and spend a few days in isolation.

While Frankie hasn't confirmed his participation in I'm A Celebrity, it's believed he has a gap in his schedule after this week, with his next big race not until Boxing Day. ITV will reveal the line-up closer to the show's airing in mid-November.

Rumoured to be joining Frankie on the show is This Morning host Josie Gibson and Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. The show will return on Sunday, 19 November, and will be hosted by Ant and Dec.

The Sun have also reported that Masterchef star Grace Dent is heading into the jungle, despite previously slamming the show.

A source told the publication: "Masterchef fans know Grace for her withering put-downs of contestants’ food and disdain for anything less than stellar cooking.

"But she’ll be eating humble pie in the jungle, surviving on rice and beans and taking part in Bushtucker trials."

Frankie recently ended his 37-year riding career in the UK with a win on King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes last month.

Despite initially planning to retire completely, he decided to continue racing in the United States from next year. Over the weekend, he also celebrated a win aboard Inspiral in the Filly and Mare Turf race at the Breeders' cup in America.

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