Fans have given a mixed reaction after ITV revealed the first glimpse of Holly Willoughby and Declan Donnelly hosting I’m A Celebrity!
Viewers say “it won’t be the same” without Dec’s long-time co-presenter Anthony McPartlin, and some even fear the decision could kill the show.
Ant and Dec have hosted the show every year since it launched in 2002, and Holly makes her debut alongside Dec on Sunday night.
What’s that? You want an exclusive look at Dec and Holly in their new jungle home? Oh go on then! 👀👋#ImACeleb! @ImACelebrity starts Sunday 9pm, LIVE @ITV pic.twitter.com/obqGIP3Pzw
— ITV (@ITV) November 16, 2018
Read more: Why Dec Donnelly chose Holly Willoughby for I’m A Celebrity
But many fans say she is not a welcome replacement for Ant, who is taking a break from TV to focus on personal problems.
One tweeted: “Sorry but Holly is going to be a nightmare in jungle, hope focus is not on her all the time. wrong choice imo.”
Another wrote: “It won’t be the same without Ant & Dec together. I love the show and no offence to Holly but I would rather they had not done a series this year and wait until Ant’s back. Will still watch though!”
Read more: Holly and Dec pictured together Down Under ahead of I’m A Celeb
A third posted: “I think it’s going to be rather rubbish without Ant. The jungle could be finished after this.”
And a fourth fan added: “Never thought I would see any other presenter next to Dec other than Ant. Love holly but its not the same! Going to be a very strange series.”
Others said they would have preferred a different ITV host to take the show’s reins, such as Stephen Mulhern or Scarlett Moffatt.
Stephen mullurn should join with dec not holly look not right !!
— Louise ellett (@ellett_louisa) November 16, 2018
It won’t be the same without Ant & Dec together. I love the show and no offence to Holly but I would rather they had not done a series this year and wait until Ant’s back. Will still watch though!
— CheamTeamMandy (@brightness1503) November 16, 2018
I think it’s going to be rather rubbish without ant. The jungle could be finished after this.
— Steve (@Steviebhoy6612) November 16, 2018
Nope. Wrong decision. Can’t handle those fake giggles
— Sazzle (@SazzleDelaney) November 16, 2018
Sorry but Holly is going to be a nightmare in jungle,hope focus is not on her all the time.wrong choice imo.
— Eveline Hewlett (@EvieHewlett) November 16, 2018
For as much as I love Holly I think Scarlett Moffatt would have been a great presenter along side Dec, just saying,
— Maggie parsons (@Maggiep71389301) November 16, 2018
Good luck Dec and Holly. Still going to miss Ant though
— ❤️ShaunnahA&D❤️ (@AandDforever12) November 16, 2018
Never thought I would see any other presenter next to Dec other than Ant. Love holly but its not the same! Going to be a very strange series
— Rachael (@Rachy0812) November 16, 2018
So will Holly and Dec be shouting I’m a celebrity get me out of here at the end of the titles or still use Ant and Dec’s voices. Just be strange Holly miming in Ants voice 🤣🤣
— Catherine Smith (@LittleolemeC) November 16, 2018
But other viewers were happier with the choice.
One took to Twitter to say: “Stuff the comedy timing between Ant and Dec, I would rather see Holly.”
Another added: “Can’t wait for the new series to begin. Whilst Ant will be missed and sending him love in his recovery I am looking forward to seeing @hollywills and Dec together xx”
Looking forward to seeing them! Fill the camp with Dec and Holly fa-la-la-la la la la la la tis the season to be jolly… 😂😂
— Tara (@TaraKenyon92) November 16, 2018
Stuff the comedy timing between Ant and Dec, I would rather see Holly. #ImACeleb
— The Boot (@TitsOooot) November 16, 2018
Great respect not just for Dec but for Holly filling in for Ant, although I will miss Ant this series. Programme still needs some big-name celebs, as they have been lacking in recent years.
— Charlie Gaze (@Charlie_Gaze) November 16, 2018
Can’t wait for the new series to begin. Whilst Ant will be missed and sending him love in his recovery I am looking forward to seeing @hollywills and Dec together xx
— Kathleen Zwart (@Katzwart1) November 16, 2018
In the new trailer, Dec says: “The wait is almost over and the adventure of a lifetime is about to begin for 10 familiar faces.”
After Holly gives him a nudge, he adds: “Sorry, 11 familiar faces. You’re in the jungle!”
Holly replied: “I know, how did I get here?” before Dec concludes by adding: “It’s exciting! It’s the return of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
This year’s campmates include Noel Edmonds, Nick Knowles, Harry Redknapp, John Barrowman and The Chase’s Anne Hegerty.
* The series starts on ITV at 9pm on Sunday.
Are you looking forward to Holly hosting with Dec? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!