Anne Hegerty’s The Chase co-star Mark Labbett lost the chance to star on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! because his 27-stone weight was considered a risk.
The ITV quiz pro said he met with bosses of the ITV show two years ago to discuss an appearance but his size was a concern for them.
It was then decided that it would be too dangerous for him to take part in the often physically demanding show, as well as survive on such low calories.
The 53-year-old revealed to The Sun: “They interviewed me about two years ago and the big minus against me then was my weight.
“They were genuinely concerned that when they’ve had heavier celebrities on before – like Rayzor Ruddock and Colin Baker on there – they shut down with the lack of calories.”
However, Mark has since lost three stone and hopes he will have the opportunity to star on the next series of I’m A Celebrity.
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Read more: He added: “At that time I was 27 stone, now I’m down to 24 stone. It’s a work in progress but hopefully by this time next year it will be like 21 or 22 stone. I know that’s still big, but I’ll be a bit more in condition for it.”
The Chase star was 29 stone at his heaviest but he has now cut down on sugary foods in a bid to get healthier.
He also took part in Channel 5’s Sugar Free Farm in 2016 to help kick his sweet tooth.
Mark’s co-star Anne, 60, has won viewers’ hearts since she began her I’m A Celebrity journey.
‘The Governess’, as she is known on The Chase, has also bravely spoken about her Asperger Syndrome while being in the jungle.
On her first day in camp, she tearfully admitted she wasn’t sure if she “could do this” but her campmates have been helping her through.
Campmate Nick Knowles put a smile back on her face during last night’s show when he offered her his luxury item of a pillow.
Aww!
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