Ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard credits I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! for giving him a new career.
The ex-Fulham midfielder went into the jungle in 2014, two years after retiring from the pitch and is now co-host of Soccer AM.
He says: “I put myself out there by doing I’m A Celebrity in the jungle in front of a different audience.
“I don’t believe I would be presenting on-screen now on Soccer AM if I hadn’t. Go out, believe in what you’re doing and try to achieve your dreams.”
Quickly Jimmy, 42, realised the impact of the show – which returns next month to Gwrych Castle in Wales.
He recalls: “I came out of the airport and there was a middle-aged lady with two girls who came up going: ‘Jimmy, can I have your autograph?’
“Before it was usually lads and now when I meet fans they say: ‘Cor you aren’t half better looking in real life’ and: ‘Ain’t you lovely’. I get the kids going: ‘You’re the funny man from the jungle’.”
Due to the pandemic, this year will be the second time the series is filming on UK soil with a cast rumoured to include Corrie’s Simon Gregson and gaffe-prone presenter Richard Madeley.
Jimmy says: “It’s an absolute joke. They’re staying in a castle – kings used to stay in castles.
“I had snakes and everything coming for me – get them in the countryside!”
Recently Vernon Kay revealed he and Shane Ritchie nabbed mineral water bottles while doing the Welsh trials last year. But Jimmy says: “They’re trying to glamourise that – trust me, it was tough.”
His rumbling tummy nearly landed Jimmy in hot water when he pinched a banana from a crew member: “They got the hump and I nearly got chucked off.”
Dad-of-two Jimmy is supporting NERF Upload, a series of physical and virtual events taking place this month to arm children with basic content-creation skills.
Due to the upsurge in young people using YouTube and TikTok, content-creation has become a go-to dream job for many.
YouTubers including Morgz, AJ Shabeel and Sharky will share tips and dispel common misconceptions parents may have.
Research by toy brand NERF found 55% of parents feel their child spends too much time in front of a screen.
But 51% acknowledged a career in content-creation could boost their kids’ confidence and 49% felt it would help their design and creativity skills.
Jimmy says: “Get behind your kids. It is a real career pathway and great opportunity to be creative, use their brain, learn directing and editing and isn’t all about Love Islanders.”
Crediting his parents for supporting his football goals, Jimmy is urging all carers to “get down with the times.” He says: “Parents who don’t understand it shove it to the back. If my mum and dad did that with me and football I wouldn’t have achieved what I did.”
Following the Newcastle take-over, Jimmy is excited to see what the new year will bring for the Premier League.
He says: “Money can change teams and clubs and I’m all for it.”
For free tickets and more info on what NERF Upload will entail log on to: eventbrite.co.uk/e/189507270347 (in-person at Studio Spaces, London, October 26) and eventbrite.co.uk/e/189517631337 (digital event, October 30).
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