Former football manager Harry Redknapp has been crowned king of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

The 71-year-old said he was stunned to have won the ITV reality series, beating Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack who was runner up, and actor John Barrowman who came third.

Redknapp, who had never watched the programme before entering the camp, said: "I'm amazed I survived three weeks."

He said he was worried he would have nothing in common with his fellow campers when he first arrived on the show, but that they had helped him make it through.

"They've pulled me up hills, they've dragged me through the water," the former West Ham and Tottenham manager joked.

Image: Redknapp and wife of 54 years, Sandra, meeting Prince Charles in February

During his three weeks in the jungle, Redknapp charmed viewers with his love for Sandra, his wife of 54 years, along with entertaining tales about his life.

He also proved to be a worthy contestant when it came to winning stars for the camp's meals in Bushtucker trials – tackling an assault course, getting covered in rats and eating "delicacies" such as sheep's brain.

Atack said she was "honoured" to have been in the final alongside Redknapp, who she described as a "worthy winner".

"Can I be the jungle princess?" she asked presenters Holly Willoughby and Declan Donnelly.

She added that the experience had taught her to accept herself.

Emily Atack from The Inbetweeners was runner up
Image: Emily Atack from The Inbetweeners was runner up

"I've learned I can survive in the jungle so I feel like I can do anything," she said.

"This place has given me so much self-acceptance… I've just learned to accept who I am."

Barrowman, who appeared emotional as he left the camp, said it was "a bit of relief and a bit of excitement".

"I can't believe how many people voted for me," he said.

He said he "would be lifelong friends" with Atack, and that the experience had taught him a lot about himself.

The final episode saw all three remaining celebrities take on their last Bushtucker trial to win a feast for their last supper.

Atack had to wear a helmet filled with critters such as cockroaches and spiders, while Barrowman was tasked with eating jungle cuisine, including a dead spider.

Redknapp's trial involved him lying down in an underground chamber while creepy crawlies and rats ran all over him.

He was presented his crown of twigs by past winners Scarlett Moffatt and Joe Swash.

As the final ended, Donnelly thanked Willoughby, who filled in for his usual presenting partner Ant McPartlin this year.

He told her: "Thank you, you have been amazing."

More from Ents & Arts

Willoughby said it had been "the time of my life".

McPartlin announced in August he would be taking a break from TV presenting duties until 2019 following his recovery from addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol.

Original Article

[contf] [contfnew]

Sky News

[contfnewc] [contfnewc]