Alan Halsall OUT of I’m A Celebrity after secret surgery – with huge stars in talks to replace him
ALAN Halsall has been forced to pull out of plans to appear on I’m A Celebrity after undergoing major surgery, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
The Coronation Street legend, 41, was among the names in the frame lined up for the jungle show in Australia.
This week we reported how Alan, who plays loveable mechanic Tyrone Dobbs, had undergone a major operation with a lengthy recovery period.
Regardless, the show is set to pull off one of its strongest line-ups in years, with a host of stars in talks to appear to fill his jungle boots.
These include the likes of former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, as well as Josie Gibson and Danny Cipriani – all rumoured to be taking part.
Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid has also been stirring up speculation she’ll be in camp – with her co-presenters revealing two key clues.
Previously, The Sun exclusively revealed how Alan was in talks to head Down Under.
He is hugely popular with ITV telly viewers after 25 years on the Cobbles.
At the time, a source said: “Tyrone is one of Corrie’s most-loved characters so Alan comes with a ready-made fan base.
“Sometimes soap actors who are known for their iconic roles don’t quite translate once in camp – Adam Woodyatt being one recent example.
“But Alan is a top lad with bags of personality so ITV are over the moon he’s in talks to join their 2023 cast.”
Yet this week he told how his serious surgery could a lengthy recovery time.
Alan managed to smile through the pain as told fans that he had ACL reconstruction surgery, whereby the torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft.
The star said he was recovering at home after undergoing the surgery last Friday.
Posing with his thumbs up, Alan shared: “ACL Reconstruction surgery. Well, On Friday I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery.
I have been told the surgery went really well.”
The soap star said he was heading in the right direction but the road to recovery would be long.
“I know I have a long 9-12 months of rehabilitation ahead of me but I’m sure with the support of family & friends I’ll get there,” he continued.
He then praised the NHS for their support during this time and added: “Thank you to the amazing! Staff at Oaklands and also thanks to my very own nurse.”
The line-up switch comes just days after the official I’m A Celebrity start date was revealed.