‘I won I’m A Celeb – and campmates are getting softer every year on ITV show’

Phil Tufnell has said that he thinks the celebrities going onto are “a bit softer now” since he appeared on the ITV show in 2003.

The former England cricketer spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk on behalf of and was quizzed whether the Bushtucker Trials are becoming too difficult for celebrities to complete.

“I think it’s kind of the same really. I mean, you know, how many cockroaches can they throw into a thing round your head?,” he said.

“The trials are pretty similar. There are a few more things knocking about now, so perhaps a little bit harder you know. But I mean, they’ve always been pretty grizzly. Perhaps the celebrities are just a bit softer now?

“I was very lucky because it was only the second series, so we were all a bit naive. We’ve seen bits and pieces of the first one but I mean, it’s such an iconic show.”

This year, broadcaster Dean McCullough made headlines when he burst into tears after he pulled out of his first trial. The 32-year-old radio host had been voted by the public to take part in Sinister Sarcophagus to win meals for camp, but only managed to win two stars.

Speaking at the time, he told hosts Ant and Dec: “It was my legs, I couldn’t move my legs. I’m sorry! I’m so sorry. It was the fact that I couldn’t move my legs. This is awful! Guys, this is awful!”

As a result of his lacklustre performance in the trial, the campmates received buffalo tail for their main and dragonfruit for dessert, with McFly singer Danny Jones and presenter Melvin Odoom taking on culinary duties in what they have Delvin’s Kitchen.

Phil also waded in on whether politicians should be on the ITV reality show, saying he “doesn’t particularly perceive politicians as celebrities.”

“Yeah, that’s a bit of a tricky one isn’t it. I’m not 100% sure. I’m not sure about politics, it’s quite personal. I suppose they can pick anyone to go in can’t they, it’s a free country,” he admitted.

“But I don’t particularly perceive politicians as celebrities. I see them as working Members of Parliament. To be fair, perhaps they should be working on the country instead of spending their time in the jungle.”

Last year, made headlines when it was revealed that he’d been paid £1.5 million to enter the Australian jungle.