ITV has revealed the full celebrity line-up for the new I'm A Celebrity spin-off series The Wild Frontier, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. The 15-episode series, set to air early next year, will "feature a surprise twist by pairing up celebrities as they navigate trials" in the remote wilderness.
The star-studded cast will fly out next month to film in Callaghan Valley, British Columbia, where the pairs will battle it out in a series of challenges to be crowned the winners. The official line-up features husband and wife duos Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand alongside Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price.
Also taking part in the competition are brother and sister team Louise Redknapp and Joe Nurding, former Dancing On Ice judges and partners Christopher Dean and Karen Barber, boyband stars Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, and social media personalities Paul Olima and Jeremy Lynch.
Celebrity pairs in the Canadian wilderness
The new reality format is produced for ITV by long-time presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, widely known as Ant and Dec. The series takes place in Callaghan Valley, a mountainous region near Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, known for its wilderness landscape and outdoor sports facilities.
Viewers are expected to follow 16-year-old Venezuela Fury and her 19-year-old husband Noah Price closely following their high-profile wedding earlier this year. The couple tied the knot on the Isle of Man in May before moving into a caravan together.
The couple's marriage attracted widespread controversy due to Venezuela's young age. On the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, the legal age for marriage is 16 provided the applicant has written consent of a parent or legal guardian, whereas the legal age in England and Wales is 18.
Many social media users criticized the wedding and branded Venezuela "a child bride" following the news. Venezuela, the eldest daughter of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury and his wife Paris Fury, later hit back at critics on Instagram. She shared two wedding photographs showing her beaming at the altar and brandishing rings alongside the caption: "For everyone who said I was too young".
Controversy surrounding Venezuela Fury marriage
Casting the young couple represents a major signing for ITV following intense public interest in their nuptials. A source told The Sun earlier this month: "Venezuela and Noah are super-popular and fans can't get enough of them, devouring every detail of their wedding. Producers know casting them will guarantee viewers, as people tune in to see how they get on without their creature comforts. Venezuela is very glam, so may struggle to rough it."
Former England footballer and television pundit Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate Ferdinand are also considered major additions to the cast. While Kate earned her reality television stripes during years as a cast member on The Only Way Is Essex, the spin-off marks Rio's first foray into reality television.
Major television signing for Rio Ferdinand
A source told The Sun earlier this month: "Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It's a real coup for the show. Rio and Kate have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat, too."
The rest of the line-up pairs experienced figures from music, sports, and digital media. Former Eternal singer and solo artist Louise Redknapp teams up with her brother Joe Nurding, while former Westlife member Brian McFadden partners with former Boyzone singer Keith Duffy. Olympic gold medallist figure skater Christopher Dean appears alongside his partner Karen Barber, while content creators Paul Olima and Jeremy Lynch complete the roster.
