Victoria Derbyshire is one of the most respected news broadcasters in the country and she is adamant her upcoming stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is not going to affect that.
She has insisted she is not concerned her reputation will be harmed when she enters the ITV reality show’s castle on Sunday.
The BBC journalist, who has presented the likes of Newsnight and Panorama as well as her own current affairs show, said she does not feel she has to be restricted to staying in one lane.
She said (via PA Media): “I haven’t worried about it, because I think, when I look at this year, I’ve presented my own programme, I’ve presented BBC news, I’ve done a Panorama on domestic abuse in lockdown and now I’m doing this.
“I don’t feel that I have to be in a box, or labelled in a particular way. I don’t know why, especially when I know, I really know, that life is short – I don’t know why you can’t say yes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, which is why I’ve said yes.
“I want to do it! My kids want me to do it, I’m totally up for it, and life’s short.”
Victoria, who is one of 10 stars taking part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity, also said she is not concerned about violating the BBC’s impartiality guidelines during her stay at Gwrych Castle in Wales.
She said: “I mean, I’m allowed to have an opinion saying, ‘Oh my god I’m starving’ but I can’t… you know, I’m a BBC journalist. I’m not going to reveal my opinions on all sorts of politics or other matters.
“I’m quite sensible, I’m quite responsible on that respect.”
Those joining Victoria on this year’s I’m A Celebrity include former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard, fellow soap star Beverley Callard and Olympic runner Sir Mo Farrah.
This year, the show is relocating from the Australian jungle to a creepy castle in the Welsh countryside due to the pandemic.
I’m A Celebrity launches on Sunday 15 November at 9pm on ITV.