Shane Richie's wife says I'm A Celeb has put the 'twinkle' back in his eye

Christie says he's been totally true to himself

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 4th Dec 2020
Last updated 4th Dec 2020

The 2020 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has truly lifted the spirits of the nation - and that's exactly what we needed this year. It feels like months since those initial 10 celebrities scaled the Welsh cliff before heading into the camp in Gwrych Castle.

We've seen them all do a plethora of hilarious and horrendous trials over the past couple of weeks - culminating in fan-favourite trial Celebrity Cyclone last night, with the semi-finalists winning a full house of stars.

At the end of the episode, hosts Ant & Dec announced that Shane Richie was the latest celeb to leave the castle, leaving Giovanna Fletcher, Jordan North and Vernon Kay as this year's finalists.

Shane's wife, Christie, has spoken out about how the experience has changed him, admitting his got the 'twinkle' back in his eye and that his confidence has grown after initially being nervous that the public wouldn't like 'the real him'.

She told the Mirror, "Hand on heart he will, excuse the pun, be ‘over the moon’ that people have taken the time to vote for him. It’s scary to be yourself for all to see and judge, after years of being able to hide behind acting roles and he was genuinely worried that people wouldn’t take to him.

"He was really nervous about that. He wanted to be himself and he has been, there are no airs or graces, but he should be really proud of how he has been true to himself. I definitely think Shane’s grown as a person in there, he’s overcome so many fears and I believe he’s grown as a person because of it."

Scroll through to see what the I'm A Celeb 2020 contestants are earning:

Sir Mo Farah: £300,000

With all of his amazing success in the sporting world, it's no surprise Sir Mo Farah cost bosses the most to land on the 2020 series.

He is an Olympian after all!

Vernon Kay: £250,000

Bosses have reportedly been trying to get TV host Vernon on the show for a number of years, but this year they managed to entice him with a whopping pay cheque.

Beverley Callard: £150,000

Coronation Street legend Beverley is reportedly the highest paid woman on this year's series, and it's not a bad little (big) figure either!

Shane Richie: Unknown

Despite Shane's I'm A Celeb fee not being made public, the former EastEnders actor confessed he was 'broke' after a tough 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Russell Watson: £100,000

He was a late arrival into this year's series, but tenor Russell is still getting paid VERY well. The opera legend is reportedly picking up £100K for his stint.

Jessica Plummer: £75,000

Bosses reportedly enticed EastEnders actress Jessica into the Welsh castle with a tasty £75,000.

Giovanna Fletcher: Unknown

Ruthie Henshall: £75,000

She was a late arrival alongside Russell Watson, but already she's had her fair share of trials and secret missions! The West End star and Magic at the Musicals host was reportedly paid a lovely £75,000.

AJ Pritchard: £50,000

After quitting his former role as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year, AJ is reportedly taking home £50K for his appearance in the castle.

Jordan North: Unknown

Hollie Arnold MBE: £50,000

She's used to winning Gold medals not Gold stars, but a fee of £50,000 reportedly got Hollie Arnold MBE into the castle! And after showing off her amazing singing voice, maybe she will leave with a record deal on the table too!