Rio and Kate Ferdinand are reportedly on the verge of making television history as the first married couple to join the I'm A Celebrity franchise. The pair, who married in 2019 after meeting in Dubai three years earlier, are said to be in the final stages of signing for the new spin-off series, I'm A Celebrity: Wild Frontier, which is set to film in Canada next month.
Historic Deal for the Ferdinands
If confirmed, the couple will become the first husband-and-wife duo to compete together in the show's 25-year history. A source told The Sun: 'Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It's a real coup for the show. They have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat too.'
The insider added that ITV is still in talks with other famous faces ahead of filming, and the series is shaping up to be a 'real social media talker'. The show will swap the Australian jungle for the Canadian wilderness, with contestants facing Bushtucker trials and challenges hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.
Wild Frontier to Mark 25 Years
Wild Frontier is rumoured to air next year to celebrate 25 years since I'm A Celebrity first launched in 2002. For Kate, a former The Only Way Is Essex star, this would mark her return to reality TV. For Rio, who has moved into football punditry since retiring, it would be his biggest foray into entertainment television.
Early reports suggest the couple's fee could exceed the £100,000 deals reportedly agreed with former Westlife singer Brian McFadden and Boyzone star Keith Duffy, who are also rumoured to be joining the cast. ITV has not yet confirmed any participants.
Controversy and Anticipation
The announcement comes after ITV's controversial all-star series in South Africa, which saw explosive feuds and bullying accusations. Prior to Adam Thomas winning, he unleashed a furious rant at Jimmy Bullard. Boxer David Haye later claimed ITV censored the worst of his speech to portray him as a victim, a claim ITV strongly denied.
As the Ferdinands' potential participation generates buzz, fans eagerly await official confirmation. The couple's combined star power and chemistry could bring a fresh dynamic to the show, promising high entertainment value and significant viewer interest.
