The face of Brexit for millions of Britons, politician and news host Nigel Farage, will join a survival reality show to prove he is not a “mean-spirited, small-minded, nasty ‘little Englander’.”
A prominent Brexit figure, Mr. Farage will be joined by other famous faces, including Britney Spears’ sister, the actress Jamie Lynn Spears, and singer Marvin Humes, on the ITV show “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here.
Mr. Farage is known for being an outspoken Eurosceptic throughout his European Parliament career as an MEP and subsequently as the leader of the UKIP party that successfully campaigned for Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.
His populist views, including criticism of the Brexit deal, the UK’s immigration policy and the government’s net zero strategies, have caused some controversy and division throughout his political career.
He added that he would like to “dispel” some of the “misconceptions” about him, such as him representing a “small-minded little Englander,” who is nasty and mean-spirited.
Commenting on how other show participants may interact with him, Mr. Farage said he was interested in their perception of him.
“They will go in with their preconceived ideas and it might be a little bit frosty – we will just have to see. I can’t pretend to be anyone other than who I am, I never have. But I survived for 20 years in the European Parliament with all sorts of people trying to trip me up so I am used to that!” the former Reform UK party leader said.
In the show, the campers usually have to take part in physical trials that involve snakes, spiders and other creepy-crawlies found in the jungle.
“Given millions hate him,” Mr. Farage expects he will be often voted to do the trials.
Politicians in the Jungle
Mr. Farage is not the first UK politician to appear on the “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.” He is following in the footsteps of the former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the former culture secretary Nadine Dorries.Ms. Dorries appeared on the show in 2012, while serving as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire. Her decision led to criticism and temporary suspension from the Conservative Party. It was alleged she didn’t seek permission to appear on the show from the party whip.
Speaking about Mr. Farage’s part in the new season, Ms. Dorries suggested that he will become more popular after it airs.
She also speculated that his appearance on reality TV would boost his political presence.
“I think his power base is Reform. And I think that’s probably what he’s doing this for, to give Reform a boost, who, by the way, are doing very well at the moment,” Ms. Dorries said.
The latest season, featuring Mr. Farage, is due to kick off on Nov. 19.
