I’m A Celebrity fans have begged Ant McPartlin to return to TV after Declan Donnelly was joined by Holly Willoughby for the new series, a move branded “terrible” by some.
Donnelly is presenting the jungle reality show without McPartlin for the first time in 16 years after he stepped down from his TV commitments following a drink-driving conviction and a stint in rehab.
Fans bemoaned the “lack of chemistry” between the presenters with many claiming Willoughby looked “awkward” as the new series kicked off on Sunday night.
One tweeted: “Holly has no banter with Dec bring Ant back! #ImACeleb.”
Another wrote: “Sorry Holly W but she is terrible with Dec on #Imaceleb.”
A third posted: “How boring is Holly on #imaceleb?! We miss you Ant.”
Others jumped to her defence, urging viewers to stop comparing her to McPartlin. One tweeted: “Everyone going on about Holly not being funny. She’s not trying to be Ant, she’s just keeping his place warm and supporting Dec. Get over yourselves. #imacelebrity.”
Another posted: “Holly is smashing this, her and Dec do really well presenting together #imaceleb.”
Donnelly was cracking jokes throughout the opening episode including a double entendre about his new co-host.
"It's a little bit different, it's a little bit different," he said of the series. “I've never done it with a girl, I usually do it with a bloke.”
Willoughby shut down the X-rated quip by saying: “Let's move on.”
But she later cracked a joke at Donnelly's expense, telling the Geordie star “he's a lot of fun and only 5ft1”.
McPartlin tweeted a heartfelt message to Willoughby and the “little fella” ahead of tonight’show.
“All the very best of luck to the little fella and @hollywills for the show tonight,” he posted. “Lots of love from the big fella!! A #ImACeleb Xxxxxx.
Willoughby and Donnelly welcomed 10 stars into camp including John Barrowman, Nick Knowles, Harry Redknapp and Anne Hegerty.
I’m A Celebrity is on ITV, Monday at 9pm
