Former boxing world champion and Kent resident Barry McGuigan MBE has signed up for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! 2024.
The Irishman, who now lives in Dargate, between Faversham and Whitstable, joins Coleen Rooney, McFly’s Danny Jones and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse in this year’s line-up.
A jungle insider told The Sun: “Barry is a knockout signing for the show and complements the line up which, so far, has been dominated by strong women.
“He’s a huge star who’ll bring back nostalgic memories of the Eighties for many viewers, because that was the era when his career was at its peak and he was a big household name.
“At 63 he’ll also be the oldest campmate this year, though the rev Richard Coles isn’t far behind him at 62.”
McGuigan, who became featherweight world champion in 1985, follows in the footsteps of boxers Amir Khan and Tony Bellew, who had great success on the ITV competition show hosted by Ant and Dec and which returns on November 16.
Although Irish-born, McGuigan now lives in the hamlet of Dargate with his wife and works as a promoter and pundit.
Last year, he delighted spectators when he turned up to cheer on the junior runners taking part in a parkrun event in Herne Bay Memorial Park.
McGuigan won the WBA featherweight belt in June 1985, beating Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road Stadium in London to steal the crown.
He would retain the title twice, before being beaten by Steve Cruz at Caeser’s Palace in Las Vegas just over a year later.
McGuigan initially retired after losing the belt and the loss of his father, but would make a short comeback before hanging up his gloves for good in 1989.
Recognised as one of the greats of the sport, he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
He has branched out from boxing before, winning ITV’s Hells Kitchen in 2007 after coming top in the public vote.
