BBC radio icon , who clinched the title in the inaugural series of in 2002, graced The One Show alongside Loose Women panellist Judi Love tonight.
Chatting with hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, Tony reminisced about his jungle stint two decades after triumphing in the ITV contest.
While Tony offered some fascinating anecdotes from his time on the show, he left the presenters momentarily lost for words with a particularly candid comment in response to Alex’s query.
“Tony, you won it, you were the first king of the jungle,” Alex remarked. “What advice would you give to the campmates?”
In a deadpan tone, Tony retorted: “Don’t do it.”
Tony Blackburn talked about his I’m A Celeb win (Image: BBC)
The unexpected quip had Roman and Alex in fits of laughter, clearly taken aback by the frankness of his advice, reports .
“Get out of there,” chimed in Alex, before Tony explained he was “making a joke”.
Delving into his jungle days, Tony shared: “It’s a hard show to do. I’m a vegetarian and I didn’t have to eat all that stuff.
Tony Blackburn joined Judi Love on the sofa (Image: BBC)
“I couldn’t do it now – it’s horrible, the stuff they have to eat,” he said, visibly cringing.
“But I think you’ve just got to be yourself on, it because that’s all you can do.”
I’m A Celebrity 2024 boasts one of the most glittering line-ups yet, featuring fan favourites such as Love Island’s Maura Higgins, McFly’s Danny Jones, and star Oti Mabuse, all competing for the coveted jungle crown.
Tonight, the campmates on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will be seen competing fiercely for a golden ticket that ensures their safety from the next two eliminations by granting them immunity.
Roman and Alex were in stitches (Image: BBC)
This shake-up to the classic Celebrity Cyclone challenge has not sat well with some fans, prompting accusations against ITV for “ruining” the beloved series and sparking a flurry of dissatisfaction across social media.
On X, the platform once known as Twitter, a disgruntled viewer expressed: “Nah, not up for this at all. Taking part in the cyclone is a privilege bestowed by the viewers. You’ve actually ruined a great series by doing this. And we all know it’ll be Colleen.” (sic)
Tony Blackburn appeared on The One Show (Image: BBC)
Another added their voice to the criticism, stating: “If this is an immunity thing, please don’t. It skews the order in which the public vote them out. I’m always suspicious of this. You know who is likely to be up next and are trying to save them unfairly.”
Nevertheless, there are those who revel in the excitement of the contest; one enthused fan said: “Soooo good! Love it.” (sic)
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on One and iPlayer.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs every night at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.