I’m A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher says watching this year’s campmates is going to be emotional - after she became the first ever Queen Of The Castle last year.
Author and vlogger Giovanna beat TV presenter Vernon Kay and Radio 1 DJ Jordan North in the 2020 final in North Wales.
She says: “It feels nostalgic but also a bit strange to know everyone will be entering the castle soon. That space was our home and now there’s going to be other people sleeping in our hammocks.”
But Giovanna, 36, has some tips for the new stars heading to Gwrych Castle – and the first is a bit, errr, pants.
She says: “Shane Richie’s wife did an amazing thing before he came on the show… she poured a bottle of aftershave over all his underwear.
“It smelled so good so Shane had one pair he didn’t wear and instead used it to rub on himself as a pick-me-up. It’s so nice to have something like that to make you feel special.
“Another tip would be to give up caffeine, sugar and smoking so you’re not feeling groggy. I gave up caffeine and sugar before going in because I knew otherwise I’d have a headache for the first few days.
“And finally, they just need to have fun. I’d say get a reality check. It’s just a TV show and this is the safest way you’re ever going to be doing some really crazy, adventurous things. Just embrace it and enjoy it.”
Giovanna can’t wait for the show to start on November 21 and see who all the contestants are. She also wishes she was back there.
The mum-of-three, who is married to McFly’s Tom Fletcher – currently on Strictly – says: “Vernon and I always said we’d do it again but it would never be the same. I’d still love to go back though.”
Tomorrow, Giovanna starts rehearsing for West End play, 2:22 A Ghost Story at London’s Gielgud Theatre. It’s the first time she’s acted in four years, taking over the lead from singer Lily Allen.
She has also just launched her latest novel, Walking On Sunshine, about a group of friends who go on an adventure after one of them loses his wife.
Last year, the Duchess of Cambridge featured on Giovanna’s podcast, Happy Mummy, Happy Baby.
And at home, she’s a busy mum herself to boys Buzz, seven, Buddy, five and three-year-old Max – only taking time out to proudly watch husband Tom, 36, climb the Strictly leaderboard with his pro partner, Amy Dowden.
Giovanna reckons the show has given her childhood sweetheart a spring in his step off the dance floor, as much as on it. She says: “Amy’s dad told Tom to dance like it’s your last.
“That’s what he’s been doing every week as we have no idea when this will end.
“When people stop to talk about Strictly when we’re out, Tom loves a chat.
"Before, he was always polite but now he’s so animated. I’m always concerned he’s going to get them in a hold straight away. He loves dancing and that’s totally down to Amy. She’s let this grow in him and it’s been joyous to watch.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better partner for Tom – she’s even bought the kids shoes!”
Giovanna says the toughest thing about Tom being on Strictly is at the start of each week, when he starts learning a new routine.
“He gets a bit grumpy on Mondays, after the high of Sunday,” she admits. “He’s enjoyed it and then he has to work through a whole new dance so I tell him, ‘It’s a Monday feeling, Tom. Tomorrow or Wednesday will be much better’.
“Like most things in life, once you’re aware of it you can deal with it better.”
