On Sunday, the popular show returned to screens with a fresh line-up of stars heading into the jungle. One of them is star Alan Halsall.
The soap star teamed up with Tulisa Contostavlos in the first episode and won the race to become camp leaders. However, his on-screen mum, Claire Sweeney, believes there’s more to come from the actor.
During Friday’s instalment of Claire shared her thoughts on her on-screen son in the jungle. She said: “Isn’t he wonderful? I know Maureen Lipman came on here and she said he’ll start off quietly just watch and observe and then he’ll come forward.
“That’s what he’ll do, he’s brilliant Alan, he’s such a funny guy. He’s smart, he’s sensitive, he’s a really brilliant personality.”
Curious, questioned whether or not ITV viewers have seen the real Alan yet as Paul highlighted the soap star has been quiet. Claire replied: “In the first episode he wasn’t quiet because he had the big trial with Tulisa and he really shone in that didn’t he? He’s sitting back at the moment. I think he will, he needs more airtime.”
Claire Sweeney believes Alan Halsall needs more airtime (Image: ITV)
During Thursday’s instalment of the ITV show, viewers saw the campmates told off for smuggling in contraband.
Dean McCullough was less than subtle when telling his fellow campmates he had teabags for them all to share.
As the camp was punished, being given five cupcakes to share instead of 10, the celebs were told to hand over any other contraband they shouldn’t have.
While Dean went to the Bush Telegraph, Tulisa confessed she also had something she shouldn’t have, revealing that campmate Melvin Odoom had given her salt to season the food.
Alan’s co-star believes he needs more air time on the ITV show (Image: ITV/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK)
However, it was clear Alan was disappointed Tulisa hadn’t used the seasoning before handing it over to ITV, which didn’t go unnoticed by viewers.
One person commented: “Alan realising he could have had salty beans and rice last night.”
Another added: “Alan realising they could’ve had seasoned rice and beans.”
Someone else wrote: “Alan when he realised they had seasoning the whole time.”
With one person tweeting: “Alan why didn’t you the flavourings.”
The Coronation Street star was less than impressed the salt wasn’t used on the food in camp (Image: ITV/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK)
Since the show kicked off, Alan’s odds of winning the show have increased, according to bookmakers William Hill reports
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Danny Jones was already a firm favourite to win this year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity and the McFly singer has been smashed in the betting since the beginning of the show, shortening into even-money from 15/8 yesterday.
“Jones is now well clear of GK Barry at 5/1, with Maura Higgins closing in on her in the market at 8/1 from 10/1. Alan Halsall is the big negative in the market, after drifting to 14/1 from 8/1.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! continues weeknights on ITV from 9pm.
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.