Alan Shearer reveals clear thoughts on I’m a Celeb and Ian Wright’s stance on potential jungle return

Alan Shearer has revealed he has no interest in ever taking part on I’m A Celeb – and that Ian Wright would never go back to the jungle.

This year’s edition of the popular ITV show is set to kick off on November 17, with a host of big names set to take part.

Coleen Rooney is arguably the biggest of the lot, with Wayne Rooney’s wife already one of the favourites to win.

GK Barry, Rev Richard Coles, Maura Higgins, Alan Halsall, Melvin Odoom, Barry McGuigan, Tulisa, Dean McCullough, Jane Moore, Oti Mabuse and Danny Jones are also rumoured to be competing to be the new King or Queen of the Jungle.

Wright featured on the show in 2019 and finished eighth.

But Shearer, speaking to Betfair, has revealed he won’t be following suit – and that the Arsenal legend has no desire to ever return.

The former Newcastle and Blackburn star does think, however, that Micah Richards would potentially do well if he was to ever go on.

“I’m a Celeb is due to start later this month and other than Wrighty, who we know has been in the jungle – and he’s told me all about it and how he won’t be going back in – there’s only Micah Richards of my punditry colleagues I could see in there!” he said.

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“If it was between him or Martin Keown, it would have to be Micah Richards.

“He could be the King of the Jungle, and it would sure be entertaining seeing him in there.

“I can’t see myself going in there though, absolutely not!”

Part of the reason Wright has no interest in returning may stem from his issues with how he was portrayed by ITV.

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The former footballer clashed with Andrew Maxwell while appearing on the programme, leading to a bullying row.

In 2020, Wright said he regretted going on the programme.

“To be totally honest, if I could take that time back I would,” he admitted.

And Wright then hinted that he was unhappy with ITV, saying: “They let me down by not showing the whole picture of who I am.

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“We had so many brilliant in-depth conversations that were never shown.

“People sometimes see this persona of me where I don’t seem like I’m vulnerable but I’ve always been a person in touch with my emotions.

“I’m never far away from feeling like I could cry. I have very deep feelings that I’ve had to learn to deal with, but I still have my moments.”

Maxwell, for his part, downplayed his row with Wright and dismissed any allegations of bullying from the former Arsenal striker.

“You’re eating such a small amount of food and you’re not sleeping very well, so it’s bound to happen,” he said.

“Me and Ian love each other, we got on like a house on fire.”