I’m A Celebrity bosses reportedly have set their targets on Maura Higgins replacing Tommy Fury in the jungle.
The boxer, 25, had been ‘in talks with ITV producers for months’ to join the show, following his split from Molly-Mae Hague, 25, however he ‘pulled out’ just two weeks before he was expected to fly out to Australia.
But it’s said that ITV are now eyeing up Molly-Mae’s best friend Maura, 33, to take his place in the jungle, with bosses apparently banking on the Irish beauty to spill the beans about her pal.
A source told The Sun: ‘With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.
‘She’ll bringing a bit of glamour to the jungle and make a brilliant campmate because she’s got a great sense of humour and is bound to get on with everyone.
I’m A Celebrity bosses reportedly have set their targets on Maura Higgins replacing Tommy Fury in the jungle
![The boxer, 25 [pictured], had been 'in talks with ITV producers for months' to join the show, following his split from Molly-Mae Hague , 25, however he 'pulled out' just two weeks before he was expected to fly out to Australia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/10/26/01/91303547-14004265-image-a-17_1729902596329.jpg)
The boxer, 25 [pictured], had been ‘in talks with ITV producers for months’ to join the show, following his split from Molly-Mae Hague , 25, however he ‘pulled out’ just two weeks before he was expected to fly out to Australia
‘It’s shaping up to be a strong year for woman on I’m A Celebrity this year.’
With Tommy out of the running, it was said to have paved the way for Maura’s appearance on the show as it meant that there wouldn’t be two stars from the 2019 series of the famous dating show in the jungle.
During their time in the Love Island villa, Maura initially set her sights on Tommy, but he ended up in a romance with bombshell Molly-Mae. Maura and Molly-Mae are have since become firm friends.
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Maura and ITV for comment.
The full line-up for this years series is yet to be confirmed but it according to reports, Coleen Rooney will take part in this year’s show after landing the biggest deal in the show’s history.
Other stars said to be in the running include Jane Moore, Ally McCoist and GK Barry.
It comes after Tommy is said to have turned down I’m A Celebrity because he has been offered another more lucrative project, which is believed to be a rematch between him and KSI.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Bosses are surprised Tommy has chosen to pull out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him too.
It’s said that ITV are now eyeing up Molly-Mae’s best friend Maura, 33, to take his place in the jungle, with bosses apparently banking on the Irish beauty to spill the beans about her pal
‘With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate’
![With Tommy out of the running, it was said to have paved the way for Maura's appearance on the show as it meant that there wouldn't be two stars from the 2019 series of the famous dating show in the jungle [pictured on Love Island]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/10/26/01/91303601-14004265-image-a-32_1729902877882.jpg)
With Tommy out of the running, it was said to have paved the way for Maura’s appearance on the show as it meant that there wouldn’t be two stars from the 2019 series of the famous dating show in the jungle [pictured on Love Island]
The boxer, 25, had been ‘in talks with ITV producers for months’ to join the show, following his split from Molly-Mae Hague, 25, but Tommy has reportedly been offered another more lucrative project, which is believed to be a rematch between him and KSI
‘Thankfully, the execs already had some great names waiting in the wings so they’ll now be looking at which ones fit best into the line up already booked so they can deliver a truly great series.
‘With only weeks to go, bosses have lined up one of the most exciting casts in the show’s history.’
MailOnline contacted ITV and Tommy’s representatives for comment at the time..
Molly-Mae shocked fans when she ended her engagement to the boxer last month after a five-year relationship.
Tommy has since been accused of cheating on Molly-Mae after alleging sharing a passionate kiss with Danish Milla Corfixen, 20, during a lads’ holiday in North Macedonia.
It comes after Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly made their I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! return on Thursday in a brand new trailer, with the official start date finally revealed
The countdown is on until a new group of stars head to the Australian outback to face their fears and compete to be crowned either the King or Queen of the jungle on the ITV show
It comes after Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly made their I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! return on Thursday in a brand new trailer, with the official start date finally revealed.
The countdown is on until a new group of stars head to the Australian outback to face their fears and compete to be crowned either the King or Queen of the jungle on the ITV show.
Ahead of the launch show, which will be on November 17, Ant and Dec took on the roles of mad scientists as they put the infamous Bushtucker Trials to the ultimate test.
Wearing matching lab coats and professional work wear, the pair looked serious as they posed back to back holding a clipboard.
They were seen chatting and laughing with crew members in the behind-the-scenes snaps as they prepared for the show’s return.
