Aitch pays tribute to sister Grace as he shares heartfelt meaning behind ITV I'm A Celebrity stint: 'A calling to raise awareness'

He then won a Brit Award in 2023 and was awarded Best Newcomer at the 2020 Mobo Awards.

The Manchester-born musician is part of the star-studded line-up who will be entering the famous camp this weekend.

Aitch, whose real name is Harrison, said: “It’s already unheard of to have a rapper from North Manchester. And so, if a rapper who goes on a side quest by going in the jungle and goes and wins it, well that will show you can do anything in life.

“It would feel good and it would prove to younger people that if you put your mind to it, you can do what you want.”

Explaining why he jumped at the chance to take part, the music artist revealed he even cancelled some gigs so he could join the show.

“On a personal Harrison level, this show is something I grew up watching in our house. It would almost be disrespectful to say ‘no’. Why would I not do it?

“On an Aitch level, I feel like I have got this calling to raise awareness for Down syndrome, and I feel that’s the perfect place.

“Also, you don’t always want to be stuck in the same world forever. You can branch out and do other things. You don’t have to stick to the code (rap world), because you think that’s cool.

“I did have to cancel some gigs for it. But you are never going to branch out if you do the same thing all the time,” the rapper told ITV.

The musician went on to speak about his relationship with his sister, Gracie, 15, who has Down syndrome.

“My sister, Gracie, loves it. She will be sitting there cheering me on every time she sees me on the telly,” he shared.

Once the show starts, the public votes for which celebrity or celebrities they want to participate in the daily Bushtucker Trial, a physical or eating challenge to win food for the camp. This segment usually causes the most distress to the campmates.

Aitch revealed that he expects to be voted to do plenty of trials.

“If I do get voted, does it mean they all hate me or love me? I haven’t got my head around it yet! But I think they will vote for me quite a lot. I will be alright. I will survive," he told ITV.

As a seasoned performer, Aitch says he’s determined to bring plenty of energy to the jungle. “I hope it will make people smile a bit more,” he said.

“Doing I’m A Celebrity… is going to be tougher than performing on stage. I have performed on stage hundreds of times now, and I am used to performing. I am definitely not used to being in the jungle!”

Creepy-crawlies aside, Aitch recons one of the hardest aspects will be the long hours spent in camp. “I have climbed Kilimanjaro before for six days, and I have slept out in the tents," he said.

“That kind of stuff is the least of my worries. The hardest part for me will be sitting around doing nothing. I don’t remember the last time I sat and did nothing."

The camp is notorious for feeding the celebrities minimal and simple meals, unless otherwise won in challenges.

Several celebrities in past seasons of the show have spoken about losing weight during their time Down Under, including Jane Moore, who lost 4.5kg, Melvin Odoom, who lost 7kg, and Russell Watson, who lost around 9.5kg.

Their weight loss is attributed to the restricted diet of rice and beans in the jungle.

“Rice and beans? I am not going to lie, I have been trying to put myself on a diet for the last two years, so it will probably do me some favours!" Aitch joked.A fan of the Australian survival TV show, the rapper says he is looking forward to meeting his fellow campmates and the show’s presenters, Ant and Dec.

“I am looking forward to meeting Ant & Dec," he enthused. “I have never met them. I have just seen them on a TV screen for the past 25 years.

“I am also looking forward to meeting the other people, hearing their stories and the whole experience. I am seeing it as an amazing experience rather than a dreadful one.”

As for whether he thinks he will cry, Aitch reckons he won’t. “But I do get emotional through other people,” he admitted. “If I see someone crying, I will cry for them.

“I think I will also be more of a peacemaker in the camp. My end goal in doing this is to be the person who can do a rap song and be the person who can do I’m A Celebrity…. I am excited now. It’s all starting to sink in.”

This isn’t the first time Aitch has spoken about his sister’s impact on his life.

The rapper has repeatedly said that his sister, Gracie, inspires him, particularly in interviews and statements around the time of his song My G, released in August 2022.

Aitch dedicated the track to Gracie and tweeted that it “probably means the most to me”.

The music video also includes a message that reads: “This song is dedicated to Gracie Armstrong. You have the biggest heart in the world! Don’t change for no one. Love you, kid x.” (sic)

In 2023, the musician completed a charity skydive to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association. He gave several interviews at the time, saying his sister inspired both the jump and his advocacy work.

Earlier this year, during an appearance on The Great Company podcast hosted by Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, Aitch shared lessons he’s learned from his sister, such as “don’t be afraid” and said he “wouldn’t be half the person he is without her”.