Victoria Derbyshire has said that beating breast cancer inspired her to take on the challenge of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.
The BBC broadcaster was unveiled as one of the 10 celebrities competing on the ITV reality show on Sunday night, and has opened up about why she said yes.
Victoria, who announced in August 2015 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would be having a mastectomy, said: “This is a mad thrill adventure that I want to take part in. Because of cancer I know, more than lots of people, life is short.
“I am now saying ‘yes’ to stuff I wouldn’t have done previously. And if I don’t do my boys proud, I will never live it down.”
She continued: “They really, really want me to do it and they have kept it a secret for months now because they want me to do it so much.
“They do think it is cool I am doing it because this is their programme of the year.
“My husband is also so happy I am doing it. He thinks I will love it, throw myself into it and he said if it makes me happy, he is happy. They are on the journey with me.”
During her cancer treatment, Victoria detailed her experiences with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and her mastectomy in a series of Facebook videos that were viewed by more than 17 million people.
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.
ITV recently confirmed that one of the contestants on the line-up was still in self-isolation, having recently tested positive for coronavirus.
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.