Who is I’m A Celebrity 2024 star Dean McCullough after iconic ‘Wagatha Christie’ quip?-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Dean McCullough is already a fan-favourite on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Dean McCullough has already emerged as a fan-favourite on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! just hours after entering the jungle.

The 32-year-old star has already delivered an iconic Wagatha Christie quip to Coleen Rooney, and left viewers in hysterics after telling hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly about his IBS troubles during the first grim eating challenge.

He’s now into his first day in the camp alongside the likes of Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse, McFly’s Danny Jones, Tulisa Contostavlos, and Alan Halsall.

Jane Moore, Melvin Odoom, Barry McGuigan, and GK Barry are also part of this year’s line-up with two more rumoured stars set to be joining.

After skydiving to the beach, following a smoothie of blended bull’s penis, fish eye and vomit fruit, Dean met his fellow campmates, and chose to partner up with Coleen for the next part of the challenge.

‘Wagatha Christie, you’re coming with me!’ he yelled, instantly capturing the hearts of viewers.

Here’s everything we know about the star who has already produced the line of the series…

Who is Dean McCullough?

Dean is a Northern Irish radio presenter who admitted he has phobias of ‘everything’ and is seeing I’m a Celebrity as a three-week therapy camp.

He said: ‘I am terrified of everything and the more I think about being put in the ground with 50 snakes or getting those green fly things that bite poured over me – well there’s just no point thinking about it, as otherwise I won’t get on the plane!’

Dean currently presenter on BBC Radio 1, and has previously presented on Gaydio.

The Northern Irish star is a BBC Radio presenter (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Where is Dean McCullough from?

Dean was born in Newtownabbey, Country Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Earlier this year, Dean opened up about his experience of hidden homelessness, where people are forced to couch surf or are stuck in temporary accommodation.

He told The Big Issue: ‘We weren’t living on the street, we were living on my aunt’s house on a sofa. I was moving between houses on a regular basis.’

Dean has opened up about hidden homelessness in the past (Picture: Alan West/Hogan Media/Shuttersto)

Wanting to ‘widen the narrative’ around what homelessness is, the radio star spoke about the effect the instability has on young people.

He explained: ‘I have problems with my possessions and feeling like I need to take care of absolutely everything around me.

‘That comes down to moving from house to house and not ever feeling like anything was ever truly mine.’

‘For a long time I had no fixed address,’ he added. ‘I would go out on the Thursday and just stay out all weekend because I just didn’t want to go home.’

Dean revealed his phobias ahead of his stint in the jungle and admitted he nearly passed out watching the show last year (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

What is Dean McCullough’s job at BBC Radio 1?

In December 2020, Dean filled in for Clara Amfo on BBC Radio 1 for two days.

In March the following year, he returned to cover the early breakfast show on Fridays for five weeks.

He then began hosting his own slot between 10.30am and 1pm from September, replacing Jordan North.

In July 2022, it was confirmed that Dean and Vicky Hawkesworth were replacing Scott Mills and Chris Stark as co-hosts of Radio 1’s afternoon show, from 1pm until 3.30pm.

Their show was presented from Salford, making it the first Radio 1 weekday programme to be broadcast from outside of London.

Does Dean McCullough have a partner?

As per his Instagram, Dean keeps his romantic life firmly out of the spotlight.

He did however reference his boyfriend in a TikTok earlier this year, though it’s not confirmed who the mystery man is, or if they’re still together.

Was Dean McCullough on Big Brother?

Dean was not a housemate on Big Brother, or Celebrity Big Brother, but he has made several appearances alongside hosts Will Best and AJ Odudu and other guests on spin-off Late and Live, where he shared his brutal thoughts on the other housemates.

Dean has also had a past brush with fame on Britain’s Got Talent, where he was part of an all-male dancing group called The Glambassadors in 2013.

Their performance wowed the judges and reportedly left judge David Walliams labelling them ‘camper than Christmas’.

Dean has also appeared on ITV comedy reality show CALM: Retreat Yourself, as a panellist on Love Island: Aftersun, on Celebrity Mastermind, and spoken about his sobriety journey on Morning Live.

Ahead of entering the jungle, Dean admitted he nearly passed out just watching the show last year and once had to checkout of a hostel in the middle of the night after seeing a cockroach, but is prepared to ‘give everything ago’.

He added: ‘I want to try and get some stars for everyone. I have travelled the world, I have backpacked, taught in orphanages and I have gone through the mill several times.

‘But I am 32 now and it’s time to start a new chapter and learn a bit more about who I am. A three-week therapy session is the perfect way to describe this!’

He’s hoping to bring ‘good vibes’ to the camp to counteract any low moods, and promises to make up dance routines and encourage everyone else to sing.

‘I’m here for a good time – not a long time,’ Dean declared.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More