I'm A Celeb rumoured contestant forced to pull out of show days before launch
A Coronation Street star who had been tipped to join the I’m A Celeb line-up has been ruled out after undergoing an operation on his knee.
Actor Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the long-running soap, had been rumoured to be one of the celebs flying out to Australia this year to take part in the reality show.
However, he’s since revealed that he had to undergo reconstructive surgery on his ACL ligament last week.
It’s unclear how the dad-of-one came to injure his leg, but he’s looking at quite a lengthy rehabilitation period.
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Halsall took to Instagram to share a shot of himself post-surgery, while reassuring fans the operation had gone ‘really well’.
He wrote: “On Friday I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. I have been told the surgery went really well. I know I have a long 9-12 months of rehabilitation ahead of me but I’m sure with the support of family and friends I’ll get there.”
A source told The Mirror that Halsall’s operation was a ‘big blow’ to the ITV reality show.
They said: “It’s a big blow, but there’s no way he can go to Australia - his surgeon would have a fit. Alan needs to recover fully and then maybe he can take part next year. It’s a massive shame because everyone was really looking forward to having him on the show, but these things happen."
But Corrie fans may be pleased to know that they’ll still be seeing Tyrone on their screens until early next year when he will be taking a ‘break’.
A Coronation Street spokesperson told The Mirror: “Alan will be on screen in the coming weeks as we film two months ahead, and then he'll be taking a short break whilst he recovers.”
I’m A Celeb returns to our screens later this month, with a teaser ad confirming the show will begin on Sunday, 19 November.
ITV's celebrity line-up for the show is yet to be announced, but there have been plenty of rumours and names thrown in about the build-up already.
Among those expected to be crowned king or queen of the jungle are Nigel Farage, JLS’ Marvin Humes, Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson, ex-EastEnder Danielle Harold, This Morning’s Josie Gibson and First Dates’ Fred Siriex.
Alongside them, jockey Frankie Dettori is also tipped to star - and fans reckon that he’s as good as confirmed it with a recent post he shared to X.
Topics: Celebrity, ITV, Im A Celebrity, TV and Film
Claire Reid