Simon Rimmer, 55, who presents the Channel 4 series of Sunday Brunch alongside his co-star Tim Lovejoy, 51, has revealed he has since changed his mind about taking part in a reality series after he had previously ruled the show out. The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has opened up about taking part in the ITV series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. The TV chef had initially declined the thought of being a campmate Down Under but admitted he has heard the show is “good fun”. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the presenter spilled: “I’ll do the jungle I think. I always said I wouldn’t do it but I think now, I would.
“Everyone I know who has done that [show] said it’s good fun so maybe I’ll do that.”
But the presenter admitted there is one show he would not consider taking part in.
He declared: “God no! Never would I do Dancing On Ice.
“I’ve got arthritis in my hip and problems with my Achilles so that would be a ridiculous thing to do.”
The TV personality took part in Strictly Come Dancing two years ago alongside celebrity pals Gemma Atkinson, Mollie King, Debbie McGee and Joe McFadden.
Simon was partnered with Venezuelan dancer Karen Clifton who he dubbed “a proper lass”.
Speaking about their close friendship, the TV chef divulged: “I’m still very much in touch with her [Karen].
“She’s a proper lass. She’s very intense. You know, all the pro-dancers are. They are 100 per cent professional and they push you. They think you can do a little bit, they want to push you to do that little bit more.”
The former Strictly star revealed he also keeps in touch with his co-stars on the show, including Gemma and Debbie.
He said: “I speak to Gemma a lot. She lives in Manchester so we speak a lot. I spoke to Debbie McGee the other week and I speak to Richard Coles quite a bit.
“Aston [Merrygold], he and I have been trying to go out for a beer for the last six months and still haven’t managed it. So yeah, I’m pretty friendly with a good group of them.”
Simon said: “In my year, you had Debbie and Joe, who went and won the show. They’re dancing for the judges. They want the recognition. I wasn’t that bothered actually.
“I just wanted Karen to be proud of me. That was all I cared about really. It’s just a magnificent experience. It’s joyous.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! returns to ITV and Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
Sunday Brunch airs today on Channel 4 at 9.30am