Noel Edmonds’ wife has revealed he was “briefed” to play the camp’s divisive character by I’m A Celebrity producers before entering camp.
The TV star split opinion when he entered the show and ruffled feathers as the latecomer, with some viewers even saying he was “ruining” the series.
But fans have warmed to him after the Deal or No Deal host formed a bromance with Harry Redknapp.
Now Noel’s wife Liz has revealed that the 69-year-old was told to play the stirrer on entering camp.
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning from Australia, she said her husband had been “apprehensive” about being dropped into the jungle after the other celebs.
She said: “It’s difficult going into the camp halfway through when people have already made those friendships and bonds.
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“There’s a naughty side to him in a fun way and I know he would have been briefed that they wanted him to go in and be the emperor, play a part.
“And he would have done that to the best that he could, although I think he feels much happier now in the jungle being a team player.”
When quizzed by host Eamonn Holmes whether she had painted his toenails to remind him of her, she confirmed: “Guilty as charged.
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“I told him every time you look at your toes it will make you smile and think of me at home.”
Make-up artist Liz, who met Noel when they both worked on Deal or No Deal, said it was no surprise her husband had forged a friendship with ex-football manager Harry.
“It think it’s really great,” she said. “When rumour had it that Harry was going to be in, he was really pleased and genuinely excited about meeting him.”
ITV declined to comment when it was contacted by Entertainment Daily.
* I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs nightly on ITV.
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