Conor Benn in talks to join I’m A Celebrity
Conor Benn is in talks to join this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! despite his high-profile boxing rematch with Chris Eubank Jr taking place just days before the ITV reality show is set to begin, reports BritPanorama.
The series traditionally launches in the latter half of November, with Benn and Eubank scheduled to step into the ring in London on November 15. The timing presents a major logistical hurdle, but both ITV producers and Benn’s team are reportedly eager to make the appearance work if schedules can be aligned.
A television insider informed The Sun: “The logistics are a challenge given how close the match is to the start of the jungle, but ITV and Conor are keen to make this happen if they can.” Benn, 29, has seen his public profile soar due to the renewed rivalry with Eubank Jr — a modern continuation of the fierce 1990s feud between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.
The younger Benn narrowly lost to Eubank Jr on points in April, setting up a much-anticipated rematch that promises to be one of the year’s biggest British boxing events. Producers are said to view Benn as one of this year’s standout campmates, both for his fighting spirit and his potential to bring star power to the Australian jungle.
“Conor’s main focus is, of course, the fight,” added the source. “But with his great physique, he’s also likely to be this year’s male pin-up. I’m A Celeb bosses think he’d make a fantastic addition to the camp. One option being discussed is having him enter as a late arrival.”
It wouldn’t be Benn’s first encounter with reality television. Earlier this year, he appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins on Channel 4, where he was regarded as one of the frontrunners before being withdrawn on medical advice due to a shoulder injury. The boxer, son of former world champion Nigel Benn, is married to radio presenter and influencer Victoria Benn.
The couple, who wed seven years ago, share two children. Should Benn participate, he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Nigel first appeared in the inaugural I’m A Celebrity series in 2002, where he famously clashed with comedian Rhona Cameron in one of the show’s earliest dramatic moments. Benn would join a rumoured cast that reportedly includes former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, TV host Alex Scott, comedian Ruby Wax, rapper Aitch, and influencer AngryGinge.
ITV has yet to confirm the lineup or official start date for the new series, with a spokesman stating: “Any names suggested are speculation.” Meanwhile, Benn recently indicated that he plans to fight Mario Barrios once his bout with Eubank Jr is concluded. “I want to fight for the WBC world title next,” he stated. “For me, that’s the priority. I know [WBC president] Mauricio Sulaiman will bless that fight, given history and my dad with the WBC world title. See if we can make that Barrios fight next, immediately, providing Barrios wants the fight, which we’ve had communication from him and his team and that’s the fight that will highly likely happen next for me at 147.”
