I'm A Celeb chaos after star quit over marriage split
Danny Cipriani, the former England rugby star, decided not to join the line-up for I'm A Celebrity at the very last minute last year, following the end of his two-year marriage. The sportsman married Victoria Rose in a small ceremony in 2021, but announced their split in early November 2023.
He shared on Instagram: "Victoria and I sat together this weekend and agreed to separate after 4 years of marriage. Whilst we've had some wonderful times together, we've also recognised we're on different journeys and whilst this is sad news, it's also a new chapter for us both to pursue our own happiness. I only wish the best for Victoria and her children." Danny was expected to receive a hefty payment for his appearance on I'm A Celebrity and shocked fans when he pulled out.
His relationship troubles seem to have disrupted his plans to enter the jungle at the time, despite being described by ITV insiders as 'one of the most exciting signings for this series.' In August last year, a source said to Mail Online: "He will be the hunk of the lineup and already there is talk of him and shower scenes amongst staff working on the programme. There is also huge anticipation that he will reveal secrets from his showbiz lifestyle, he has been linked to many women over the years, and his scandals are well documented too so there will be lots for him to share.
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"But he has a sense of humour too which will ensure he is both popular amongst his camp mates but also with those watching at home. Danny might have settled down now but he is still wild at heart. There are high hopes that he will make it to the final."
The news came after Danny and Victoria hinted at trouble in paradise when they unfollowed each other on social media.
A source revealed about their relationship at the time: "Victoria had been increasingly unhappy over the last few months. Things got tense and then she saw some text messages on his phone and it led to some difficult rows between them and they have now split up. They are both devastated at the breakdown of their marriage."
The couple got engaged just four months after they started dating in August 2020. The rugby star announced their engagement on Instagram, sharing a picture of a bathroom filled with roses, writing: "You make me the happiest man in the world. I love waking up with you every morning, not knowing which one of our personalities is going to arise, and how we fall in love with each other over and over again. You make every day so much better, I can't wait to get home from training every day to see you. I can't imagine life without you."
Entrants to the jungle this year include Loose Women's GK Barry and Jane Moore, footie WAG Coleen Rooney, McFly singer Danny Jones and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse. The show begins on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, 14 November.
