A DARTS legend is being tipped to star on this year’s I’m A Celebrity after making no secret of his desire to be on the show.
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has noted for years his hope to appear in the Australian jungle reality show, and if the bookies are anything to go by.
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The 16-time world champion, 65, has had odds of him joining this year’s contestants slashed down to 3/1 by Ladbrokes, who believe he could be vying for the jungle crown.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: “With a record number of world championships, Phil Taylor knows all about stealing the spotlight at the back end of the year.
“But Ally Pally is a long way from the jungle, so it remains to be seen whether that success translates if he pitches up in the camp this winter.”
Phil has been making his interest in joining the show clear since at least 2017, with him noting how much he would love to take on the challenge.
At the time, he said: “I would do the jungle. Strictly I am not sure, though it would do me the world of good as it would get me fit.
“I have been asked to do the jungle but was always busy.”
But I’m a Celebrity – known for its gruesome challenges that include munching on ‘delicacies’ such as kangaroo testicles and fish eyes – has so far not given him the call.
The series typically films towards the end of each year, starting in October, which for Phil would have been the height of the darts season ahead of the World Championships.
In 2023, Phil, who scooped a record 85 major titles in his career, shared again he was up for the task, believing there was ‘no challenge he couldn’t do’.
“I know they’re not going to put anything in there that’s going to hurt you,” he said.
“I know you can get bitten, and something can go up your nose or whatever but we’ll just have to see. Do you know what I mean? It would be a challenge and something I’ve never done before. So I would quite enjoy it I think.”
Yet he did admit he “can’t keep his mouth shut” – which could spell danger for his fellow campmates.
Last year, after confirming his retirement from darts at the age of 64, he stated again how he was desperate to give the series a go.
Taylor shut down the rumours of his participation for that year, but did not rule out the possibility of doing it in the future.
He said: “I’d be interested but not this year, it’s too late.
“Someone mentioned I was the favourite in the bookies but I said ‘I have no idea how’.”
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