Entertainment
I’m A Celebrity 2021 fans left gobsmacked by Arlene Phillips’ age
Viewers couldn’t believe it after the Strictly star declared her age last night (Picture: ITV)
There was a whole lot to take in from Sunday’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, from Bushtucker Trials to sickening arrivals in camp, but some viewers were more focused on Dame Arlene Phillips’ age than anything else.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge is one of the stars undertaking gruelling trials and meagre rations in the show’s 2021 line-up, alongside stars including Richard Madeley, Olympian Matty Lee, Naughty Boy and Frankie Bridge.
She’s the oldest contestants to ever head into the camp – and viewers couldn’t believe she was 78 after she announced it during Sunday’s episode.
Viewers took to social media to share their shock after hearing her age, confessing that they thought Arlene was far younger based on her looks.
‘Sorry, but how is Arlene Phillips 78?!’ one wrote, with another adding: ‘Can’t believe Dame Arlene Phillips is 78, she certainly don’t look it.’
‘DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS IS 78 YEARS OLD,’ another said. ‘I daren’t even make plans for which CARE HOME I’ll be in at that age, never mind take on #ImACeleb.’
Sunday’s episode saw Dame Arlene join the yellow team alongside Richard Madeley, Naughty Boy, Danny Miller and David Ginola.
Unfortunately for her, the team lost and she was forced to sleep on the ground after she entered the castle.
Who will be crowned king of queen of the castle? (Picture: PA)
It comes after Dame Arlene previously admitted that she’s ‘concerned’ about being the oldest campmate, not just in this series, but of all time.
At the age of 78, she has beaten Stanley Johnson, who was 77 when he competed, and Harry Redknapp, who was 72 when he appeared on (and won) the show in 2018.
Chatting to Metro.co.uk and other press, Dame Arlene said: ‘Obviously I’m concerned.
More: I’m A Celebrity
‘Everything in your body changes as you get older. But in terms of being the oldest, I think I’ve always been the oldest. When I was 36 and I had my first baby, it was shock, horror, this geriatric mother having a baby.
‘And then my second one at 47. “Are you sure? Having a baby at 47?” I feel like I’ve always been the oldest at doing something, so it’s nothing really to me.’
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
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