Nigel Farage will take part on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here after jungle queen Georgia Toffolo brokered the deal with ITV.
The politician, 59, will join the likes of Josie Gibson and Danny Cipriani on the reality show next month.
It comes after former Made In Chelsea star Georgia – known best as Toff – managed the big money deal after she won the show in 2017.
She owns the company Visionary Talent Agency – VTA – and personally managed negotiations.
It is not yet clear how much Farage will earn for his appearance, though rumours last night suggested he could pocket up to £1m.
An ITV insider said: ‘It was certainly a first, a former I’m A Celeb winner brokering a deal for another contestant.
‘Nigel has been offered the chance to go to the jungle several times but Toff has made it happen this time. Everyone involved in the deal is thrilled.
‘It is most definitely a goodie.’
Toff, 29, was crowned Queen of the Jungle six years ago, beating off actor Jamie Lomas and DJ Iain Lee in the final.
But she now owns the VTA which has offices in both London and Los Angeles.
Farage is said to have been invited on the show ‘several times’ in the past, with TV bosses hoping his controversial and polarising image would spark engaging camp discussions and boost viewers.
A source said: ‘Nigel has been at the top of the wish-list for I’m A Celeb bosses for years.
‘They’ve offered him a huge fee as they know he’ll drive up viewing figures. Ant and Dec will love this signing.
‘Nigel’s the ultimate Marmite character and won’t hold back in camp discussions.’
While his fee has not been revealed, it is suggested he may be set to earn a similar total to Boy George, who was speculated to have earned £900,000 during his jungle stint last year.
Producers believe signing Farage will ensure another successful season, especially after the attention garnered by former Health Secretary Matt Hancock who took part last year.
Regarding his previous stance on I’m A Celebrity, the former Ukip leader had publicly declined multiple offers, expressing concerns about the show’s potentially humiliating nature.
However, he also acknowledged that one should never say never.
Speaking on his GB News show last year, Farage said: ‘I have been approached several times by I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! and I’ve always ruled it out.
‘I’ve never thought it would be a good thing to do.
‘I thought it’s all rather humiliating, frankly. But I suppose you can never ever say never.’
Farage follows in the footsteps of other prominent political figures to enter the jungle, including Nadine Dorries, Edwina Currie, and Stanley Johnson.
The lineup for this year’s I’m A Celebrity is yet to be announced with ITV saying any names suggested ‘are speculation’ – but rumours are that jockey Frankie Dettori is tipped to be heading to Australia, as well as This Morning presenter Josie Gibson who is thought to have been offered a six figure deal.
First Dates’ Fred Sirieix is also rumoured to be ‘in talks’ to star in the show.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
