Will Oldhamer Malique become this year's King of the Jungle?

It’s exciting times for Oldham’s no doubt hordes of ‘I’m a Celebrity’ fans today with the news emerging that Hollinwood-based Hollyoaks actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer will be one of the contestants.

Former Oasis Academy and Oldham College student Malique, who is now 20, had been linked with the flagship ITV show recently, though there was no hint of the news to come when he spoke to the Chronicle during a recent visit back to his home town.

Malique, who landed the role of Prince McQueen in Hollyoaks two years ago, will join some huge names in the celebrity world Down Under.

The latest mega-popular series of ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of here’ starts this Sunday.

The 2017 series was a huge, huge success and became the most-watched programme on ITV last year.

The launch episode, which marked the reunion of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly following the former's first stint in rehab, secured an audience share of 46% with a peak of 11.2 million viewers tuning in.

To put that into perspective, The X Factor had been attracting around the 5 million mark.

After much rumour and speculation, it has also been finally confirmed that Holly Willoughby will co-host alongside Declan Donnelly for the 2018 series.

Ant has recently announced that he is returning to rehab for further treatment and is taking a step back from the limelight, including presenting duties.

The full ‘I’m a Celeb’ line-up was finally announced last night (Monday), less than a week before the series is set to kick off.

And here's who will be in the jungle:

James McVey

Who? Member of The Vamps.

Nick Knowles

Who? Host of DIY SOS.

Fleur East

Who? X Factor finalist.

Harry Redknapp

Who? Former Premier League football manager.

Sair Khan

Who? Coronation Street actress.

Malique Thompson-Dwyer

Who? Oldham-based Hollyoaks star.

Emily Atak

Who? Actor, best known for her role on The Inbetweeners.

Anne Hegerty

Who? Best known as The Governess on The Chase.

Rita Simons

Who? Former EastEnders star.

John Barrowman

Who? Former Doctor Who, Torchwood and Arrow star.

I'm a Celebrity 2018 episodes: How long will the new series run for?

The show is usually on for around three weeks.

Keeping in line with tradition, the 2018 series will most likely broadcast around 22 episodes.

I'm a Celebrity 2018 final: When's it on?

Last year, the series finished on Sunday, December 10.

With that in mind, it is expected ITV to announce that the 2018 series will conclude on Sunday, December 9.

Good luck Malique!

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