Malique Thompson-Dwyer has signed up for ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’.
The ‘Hollyoaks’ actor – who plays the lovable teen tearaway Prince McQueen – is said to have caught the attention of the show’s bosses after picking up the Best On-Screen Partnership gong at the British Soap Awards alongside his TV brother, Theo Graham (Hunter McQueen).
An insider told The Sun’s Bizarre TV column: "Jungle producers were keen to snap up a young star with a fresh following to tune into the show."
The soap hunk – who bosses are hoping will be the eye candy of this year’s series – is said to be excited at the prospect of heading out to Australia and has already been preparing for his time in the jungle.
The source added: "Malique is over the moon about the gig and has been hitting up the gym already to make sure his body is as buff as possible by the time he goes to Oz.
"He knows this is a huge opportunity and wants to make sure it’s as fruitful as possible.
"He’s a city lad, so will find it tough living without his creature comforts, but he’s up for a challenge."
While the show’s line-up is yet to be confirmed, it also remains uncertain whether Ant McPartlin will return in time to co-host the show with Declan Donnelly.
The 42-year-old presenter has been absent from TV screens over recent months following a drink-driving conviction.
But the broadcaster’s chief executive, Carolyn McCall, has hinted at his return at some point in the future.
She said: "He will come back when he’s well and when he is ready to come back.
"ITV will not be putting him under any pressure to come back unless he’s well and fit enough to come back."
Asked specifically whether he’ll be returning to ITV, she replied: "As far as I know, that is true."
Malique Thompson-Dwyer ‘signs up for I’m A Celeb’
