I’m A Celeb’s Andy Whyment opens up on surprise friendship with jungle star – with visits to their home and phone calls
I’M A Celebrity star Andy Whyment has revealed his surprise jungle BFF and their off-screen catch ups.
The Coronation Street actor, 42, was booted off I’m A Celebrity’s South Africa series after a particularly sticky trial with Georgia Toffolo, 28.
With the new ITV series pre-recorded last year, the Kirk Sutherland star has had plenty of time to catch up with his I’m A Celeb campmates.
And there’s been one that’s been top of the list.
Despite forming a close bond with Manchester neighbour Shaun Ryder while in the South Africa camp, Paul Burrell, 64, is now his great mate.
Andy told today’s Lorraine show he had a strong yet unexpected friendship with the former Royal butler.
As host Lorraine Kelly said: “And you’ve made pals with Paul Burrell, the two of you get on really well,” to which he agreed: “I do
“It’s mad, I always say to Paul we never would have crossed paths unless it was for a show like I’m A Celebrity.
“I love Paul he’s such a lovely man. We’ve met up a couple of times, he came for a Chinese in Worsely [Salford] for a curry and me and Nicola and the kids went to see him and his husband just before Christmas.
“We need to get together soon because I’ve not seen him for a while.
“We always speak on the phone – he is lovely.”
Back in camp, Andy and Happy Mondays star Shaun had a laugh talking about their connection.
The pair were seen discussing their hometown of Manchester – and it turns out they’ve got a lot in common.
Andy said to the Happy Mondays singer: “Where do you live Shaun?”
Shaun replied that he’s based in Telford but then it turns out that the two stars grew up in the same place, Clifton, and that they both went to the same primary school and high school.
Andy then joked: “The mad thing is, we live not far from each other and the first time we’ve met is in the jungle.”
Shaun then made a blunder by referring to Andy as his Corrie character, Kirk.
Speaking in the Bush Telegraph, Andy then joked: “We went to the same primary school, same high school – what a top guy he is. Then he called me Kirk.”