Tony Bellew’s wife Rachael reveals she is shocked that the champion boxer is in the I’m A Celebrity final: ‘The kids want him to win’

As a softly spoken Liverpudlian who shies away from the spotlight and says the only thing he knows how to do is ‘punch people in the face’ – Tony Bellew has defied expectations by winning the public vote and making it to the I’m a Celebrity final.

But no one is more shocked than the Bellew family themselves.

The champion boxer’s wife, Rachael, 40, told MailOnline: ‘I can’t believe he’s still in and in the final. I was so sure he was going today that I tidied the hotel room and everything.

‘I was really emotional this morning when he didn’t come out, I was so sure he would and I really want him back now.

‘But of course, the kids want him to win, especially our eleven-year-old, he really wants his dad to win.’

Tony Bellew’s wife Rachael has revealed she is shocked that he is in the I’m A Celebrity final

The champion boxer’s wife, Rachael, 40, told MailOnline: ‘I can’t believe he’s still in and in the final. I was so sure he was going today that I tidied the hotel room and everything’

Rachael is staying at the Marriott Hotel in Surfers’ Paradise while looking after her four young sons; Corey, 18, Cobey, 15, Carter, 11 and Carson, three.

The mother-of-four said: ‘The school was so supportive of them coming out. 

‘Well, I sent Tony in to speak to the headteacher because I said, “This is your thing, so you’re doing it” and the head was completely fine with it and said to Tony, “Hey, go and enjoy yourself.”‘

Childhood sweethearts, Tony and Rachael are both from the Toxeth area in Liverpool and met 22 years ago at the nightclub he was bouncer to – this is the longest they have ever spent apart from one another.

When she made a surprise visit to him in the jungle on Friday night’s episode, Tony broke down in tears and later said: ‘This will stick with me more than any moment I’ve had in the jungle.’

But Rachael has now revealed that he also whispered to her in private: ‘I’m in shock Rachael, how am I still here?’

Tony, 40, is joined in the final by the former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, 59, and Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson, 31 and King of the Jungle will be announced tonight. 

It comes after Josie Gibson became the seventh campmate to be eliminated from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Before the show started earlier last month, the former boxing champion had some of the lowest odds to make it to the final with 16-1.

Whereas Sam Thompson was on 6-1 and Nigel Farage was 7-1.

‘I was really emotional this morning when he didn’t come out, I was so sure he would and I really want him back now.’

Rachael is staying at the Marriott Hotel in Surfers’ Paradise while looking after her four young sons; Corey, 18, Cobey, 15, Carter, 11 and Carson, three

Tony arrived in the jungle five days after the other celebrities with the jockey Frankie Dettori, who was the first to leave the show and has since won the heart of the public with his no-nonsense manner and consistent calm in the camp.

fans were left fuming upon her exit as they shared their disappointment that she didn’t make the final – after she was the last woman standing in the camp.

Many viewers also shared their annoyance that controversial politician Nigel, 59, had not been voted out instead of Josie as they said she deserved to make it through.

Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – one wrote: ‘ How is Josie out and Nigel still in,’ another said: ‘How the f**k is Nigel still in and Josie just left???’

A third tweeted: ‘Noooo!!!!!!! Not Josie. WHY IS NIGEL STILL IN THERE???!!!!’ and another penned: ‘Trying to figure out how Nigel beat Josie.’

A fifth gushed: ‘Aw, Josie has just been the best! I really wanted her to win right from the start, and I’m so happy she got so far. She’s been such good fun!’

And one sweetly added: ‘She was the last woman standing so she’s still the Queen of the jungle, we love you Josie.’

The This Morning host, 38, narrowly missed out on a place in the much-anticipated final as she was sent packing just one day before the winner will be crowned

Josie’s exit leaves Sam Thompson, Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage as the three finalists as they will battle it out for the King of the Jungle title on Sunday night

Despite fans’ upset over her exit, she appeared thrilled to be going home after three weeks in the jungle as she stood up and cheered when her name was announced.

Josie has had an up-and-down journey in the jungle and has spoken openly about her difficulties, including breaking down in tears over missing her son Reggie , five.

After her elimination, she spoke to Ant and Dec about her time in the jungle and reflected on her famous kitchen rows with Fred Sirieix.

Josie and the maître d’hôtel and professional chef previously clashed as Fred hit out at her cooking skills while struggling to let go of his former camp chef role.

However, Josie insisted that ‘everyone preferred’ her food as she told how they settled the tension with a final battle in the kitchen.

‘It was the battle of the chefs wasn’t it? When someone criticises what you do along the way, it puts a lot of pressure, everyone’s starving… I think I put him straight in the end,’ she said of their rows.

Upon her elimination, Josie then walked across the iconic bridge, where she was greeted by her best friend Mia Williams.

Her son Reggie did not appear on the bridge to meet her, but is nearby in Australia after Mia brought him to Australia to reunite with his mother upon her exit.

After her elimination, she spoke to Ant and Dec about her time in the jungle and reflected on her famous kitchen rows with Fred Sirieix

Her exit came one day after she narrowly avoided leaving the camp on Friday as she came in the bottom two alongside Marvin

Josie shares Reggie, with her ex-boyfriend Terry Bond. The pair started dating in 2017 but split in 2018 when Reggie was five months old.

After her exit, Josie became the seventh star to back Sam for the crown as he seems to have won over viewers and campmates alike with his bubbly and enthusiastic personality.

When asked who she wants to win, she said: ‘Sam has just got a magic about him, he’s entertaining from the moment he wakes up until he goes to sleep,’ before adding that she would also be happy to see Tony win.

All of the eliminated celebrities so far have backed Sam to win the 2023 series, and bookies have named both Sam and Tony as favourites to be crowned King of the Jungle.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party  and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty. 

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news. 

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore. 

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields 

DANIELLE HAROLD – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too! 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either. 

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp. 

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient! 

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star. 

Phobias: I am fearful of everything! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book. 

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it! 

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele. 

NICK PICKARD – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star. 

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character. 

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop! 

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock. 

FRANKIE DETTORI – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: Champion Jockey

Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.

Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!

Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.

Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – WALKED!

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

 Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone. 

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed. 

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot. 

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter. 

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things. 

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle! 

JOSIE GIBSON – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information! 

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on! 

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry. 

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her. 

MARVIN HUMES – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me. 

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too. 

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food. 

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT – WALKED!

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic. 

Phobias: Horrible people. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour. 

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep. 

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour! 

TONY BELLEW

Claim to fame: Former champion boxer

Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.

Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.

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