Conor Benn is in talks to join this year’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! — despite his high-profile boxing rematch with Chris Eubank Jr taking place just days before the ITV reality show is set to begin.
The series traditionally launches in the latter half of November, with Benn and Eubank scheduled to step into the ring in London on November 15.
The timing presents a major logistical hurdle, but both ITV producers and Benn’s team are reportedly eager to make the appearance work if schedules can be aligned.
A television insider told The Sun: “The logistics are a challenge given how close the match is to the start of the jungle, but ITV and Conor are keen to make this happen if they can.”
Benn, 29, has seen his public profile soar thanks to the renewed rivalry with Eubank Jr — a modern continuation of the fierce 1990s feud between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.
The younger Benn narrowly lost to Eubank Jr on points in April, setting up a much-anticipated rematch that promises to be one of the year’s biggest British boxing events.
Producers are said to be eyeing Benn as one of this year’s standout campmates, both for his fighting spirit and his potential to bring star power to the Australian jungle.
Conor Benn lost to Chris Eubank Jr in their first boxing fight back in April
|PA
The source added: “Conor’s main focus is, of course, the fight.
“But with his great physique, he’s also likely to be this year’s male pin-up.
“I’m A Celeb bosses think he’d make a fantastic addition to the camp. One option being discussed is having him enter as a late arrival.”
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Conor Benn could follow in the footsteps of his father, Nigel Benn, by appearing on I'm A Celeb
| PAIt wouldn’t be Benn’s first brush with reality television.
Earlier this year, he appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins on Channel 4, where he was seen as one of the frontrunners before being withdrawn on medical advice due to a shoulder injury.
The boxer, son of former world champion Nigel Benn, is married to radio presenter and influencer Victoria Benn.
The couple, who wed seven years ago, share two children.
Should Benn take part, he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Nigel first appeared in the very first I’m A Celebrity series in 2002, where he famously clashed with comedian Rhona Cameron in one of the show’s earliest dramatic moments.
Benn would join a rumoured cast that reportedly includes former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, TV host Alex Scott, comedian Ruby Wax, rapper Aitch, and influencer AngryGinge.
Conor Benn wants to fight Mario Barrios once his bout with Chis Eubank Jr is out of the way
|PA
ITV has yet to confirm the lineup or official start date for the new series.
A spokesman for the network said: “Any names suggested are speculation.”
Benn, meanwhile, recently suggested that he'll fight Mario Barrios once his bout with Eubank Jr is out of the way.
“I want to fight for the WBC world title next," he said.
“For me, that’s the priority. I know [WBC president] Mauricio Sulaiman will bless that fight, given history and my dad with the WBC world title.
“See if we can make that Barrios fight next, immediately, providing Barrios wants the fight, which we’ve had communication from him and his team and that’s the fight that will highly likely happen next for me at 147."