Shane Richie ‘signed for I’m A Celebrity’ after £100k Christmas panto was canned

Shane Richie set his sights on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! after his lucrative £100,000 Christmas panto gig was cancelled.

The former EastEnders star, 56, is set to appear in the hit ITV show next month as it stays in the UK amid the pandemic.

But it seems as though the gig only became a reality for Shane after the plug was pulled on his panto project later this year, reports The Sun.

Shane had been due to appear in the New Wimbledon Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington in London later on this year, but the ongoing pandemic saw his panto venture get cancelled.

The production now won’t take to the stage until December 2021.

But it seems as though if I’m A Celeb wasn’t relocating to Wales this year, Shane may not have agreed to partake.

An insider told The Sun that the thought of jetting to Australia for the show has previously put him off the idea in the past.

This year, I’m A Celebrity is taking part at its new venue Gwrych Castle, North Wales, rather than its original location in Australia.

The source told the publication: “ITV have always wanted Shane for the jungle but with panto not happening this year and other work opportunities less likely, he decided this was the time to take the plunge.”

“Going to North Wales is less of a huge commitment than flying halfway across the world, too, so he jumped at the chance.”

The source added: “He’s already being talked about by production as an early favourite as he’s such a likeable bloke and known to millions of soap fans.

“ITV are delighted they’ve managed to convince him to take part.”

He joins a whole host of EastEnders stars who have taken part in I’m A Celeb, including winners Joe Swash, Jacqueline Jossa and Charlie Brooks.

Mirror Online has contacted Shane’s reps for comment.

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