Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page reveals why sitcom co-stars "will be shocked" she's on I'm a Celeb

Joanna Page did not tell her Gavin and Stacey co-stars she would be appearing on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, predicting the news would shock them.

The Stacey Shipman star is one of the eleven celebrities who travelled Down Under in a bid to be crowned Queen or King of the jungle.

During an interview with ITV, Page commented on her decision not to tell her Gavin and Stacey co-stars about appearing on the popular reality show.

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Predicting how they will all react, she said: "They will be shocked when they find out. But I also know they will find it funny. They know exactly what I am like and they will laugh!"

One of her Gavin and Stacey colleagues has since posted her response on Instagram after the I’m A Celeb lineup was made public on Tuesday.

Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa Jenkins on the British sitcom, is very much looking forward to seeing Page enter the jungle.

“The glorious Joanna Page has gone into the jungle and I’m beyond excited and my friend Nessa Jenkins said: “O! Stace - they’re gonna make you stick all manner of matter in your gob,” the 2025 BAFTA winner wrote.

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“And I’m not talking Gwen’s omelettes…just don’t overdo it, alrigh’? You know what a weak constitution you has. But have a crackin time. You makes Barry very proud I’m not gonna lie”.

Page is in for a chance of winning I’m A Celebrity this year, but faces stiff competition from some strong contenders.

This year's lineup includes Wayne Rooney, ex-Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, former Paralympian Ade Adepitan, Big Brother host AJ Odudu, content creator Sharky, and comedian Jack Skipper. Also taking part in the show are model and TV host Leomie Anderson, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, radio host and former Love Island star Chloe Burrows, and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson.

As for the former Man United star, Rooney is set to enter the jungle two years after his wife Coleen finished second to McFly singer Danny Jones.

Aiming to become the first Welsh woman to win I’m A Celeb, Page said: “I think that would be a pretty good title to take home! But I'm just as excited to see if I can last the distance.

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“I'm not going to crumble. I'm going to see this to the end and I'm going to be strong. I am going to get the most out of this.”

As fans know very well, I’m A Celeb contestants will aim to withstand several critters thrown their way in various trials and challenges devised to win them food and treats.

Page admits she is afraid of spiders and heights, but whatever she is faced with in the jungle, she seems determined to do her best and get the most from a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I am quite scared of heights as well but compared to spiders, I can cope," she shared.

"Also, I want to do jumping off things and physical stuff. I will never do anything like this again, but creepy crawlies scare me."

She finally said: "I will never get to do anything like this again. I am telling myself, ‘Come on Jo, let’s take yourself off to Australia and give yourself an experience’. It’s exciting and it’s going to be life-changing."

I'm a Celebrity 2026 begins on Monday, November 16 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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