Oldhamer Malique is second star to leave the jungle

Date published: 03 December 2018


Oldham’s very own Malique Thompson-Dwyer has become the second star to leave ITV flagship pre-Christmas showpiece I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

The 20-year-old Hollyoaks star – a former student at Oasis Academy and Oldham College - paid the price for seemingly not getting enough airtime or doing many trials.

As he left last night (Sunday), the soap star hugged his fellow contestants and said: “I can't wait to eat. Guys it's been magic.”

After a long time on a diet of rice and beans, he then added: “I am glad to be out, I am absolutely starving.

“Everyone has been nice to me, it has been a decent time in there.

Malique (second from right) with all the contestants on this year's show

“Being in the jungle is the hardest thing I have ever done, I am normally laid back and so chilled.”

Legendary TV and broadcasting star Noel Edmonds was the first of the 11 star contestants to be voted out of ‘I’m a Celeb’ on Friday night.

Malique’s exit wasn’t totally straight-forward, however, with ‘I’m a Celeb’ chiefs again being hit by fix claims after Malique was apparently spotted with his backpack on, and some even suggested a mobile phone, just minutes before he was voted off by the public.

Viewers also noticed Noel (69) was the only one with his bag on his knee before his departure on Friday, and many took to Twitter to discuss the coincidence and claim the show was fixed as a consequence.

One viewer tweeted: "Noel already had his bag on to leave on Friday & tonight Malique already has his bag on his back." while another wrote: "Noel and Malique both had their bags in hand and were the only ones to do so, is #imaceleb a fix?"

However, a TV insider has reportedly blasted fans' claims, saying: "How the celebrities choose to pack up their bags before a vote is their choice.

"No one knows the outcome until Dec and Holly read it out."

It is anticipated that Malique will now return to the set of Hollyoaks shortly after his return from Australia.

‘I’m a Celeb’ continues to prove extremely popular as Holly Willoughby has this year joined Declan Donnelly as main co-host in place of Ant McPartlin.

Almost 11 million viewers tuned in to the first episode on November 18.


Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.