I’m A Celeb 2020: Megan Barton Hanson’s ex Chelcee Grimes ‘will replace’ AJ Pritchard if positive COVID test forces him off returning show
The ex-girlfriend of former Love Island star Megan Barton Hanson has been ‘lined up’ to replace AJ Pritchard should he be forced to pull out of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional’s participation has been questioned after testing positive for COVID-19, with ex-footballer turned singer Chelcee Grimes ready to step in at the 11th hour if he withdraws.
The 28-year old has already spent two weeks isolating near the two of Abergele on the north coast of Wales after being approached by ITV producers, The Sun reports.
On the subs bench: Former footballer Chelcee Grimes has been ‘lined up’ to replace AJ Pritchard should he be forced to pull out of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
It’s understood that Chelcee has been primed to appear on the show should any of its current crop of stars deliver positive coronavirus results when it finally launches from Gwyrch Castle on November 15th.
A source told The Sun: ‘All of the celebrities are being tested regularly as part of ITV’s plans to make sure the show goes ahead.
‘They’re taking zero risks and AJ will be tested again in the coming days. If that comes back negative he’ll start filming at the end of the week as planned, if it comes back positive again they still have a few days to play with, so everyone is quite calm at this point.
Concern: The former Strictly Come Dancing professional’s participation has been questioned after testing positive for COVID-19
‘ITV have always been prepared in case of one, or more, dropouts so have had Chelcee and others ready to go. She’s been squirreled away in a cottage nearby just in case she’s needed.’
A former Tottenham Hotspur and Tranmere Rovers womens’ footballer, musician Chelcee has also written songs for an array of stars including Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue and Olly Murs.
The bisexual star’s on-off relationship with former Love Island contestant Megan came to an end in April after the couple spent lockdown apart.
But they hinted at a reconciliation after they were spotted sharing a kiss during a night out in September.
Old times: Bisexual Chelcee’s on-off relationship with former Love Island contestant Megan Barton Hanson came to an end in April after the couple spent lockdown apart
Here we go The couple hinted at a reconciliation after they were spotted sharing a kiss during a night out in September
Dancer AJ had a routine coronavirus test along with the other I’m A Celeb contestants and is believed to be ‘shocked’ by the positive result as he has been ‘feeling fine’ after following precautions.
A source told The Sun: ‘Everyone is on tenterhooks. Like the other contestants AJ had a routine Covid test, which came back positive. He will have another one before going in.
‘The ITV production team have gone to incredible lengths all year to make sure everything is carried out safely and with as minimal risk to the cast and crew as possible.
The full line up: (L-R) Vernon Kay, Beverley Callard, Sir Mo Farah CBE, Jessica Plummer, Shane Richie, Victoria Derbyshire, AJ Pritchard, Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie Arnold MBE and Jordan North
‘There is little room for error. If several stars are struck down, particularly one of the older ones, then it would throw the whole show into jeopardy and be very problematic.’
AJ, who is isolating near the Welsh set with his girlfriend Abbie Quinnen, is believed to be earning £50,000 for his participation.
Other stars to feature on this year’s show include Vernon Kay, Beverley Callard, Sir Mo Farah CBE, Jessica Plummer, Shane Richie, Victoria Derbyshire, Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie Arnold MBE and Jordan North.