After the news broke that This Morning's Holly would be taking over the role for this year's series, viewers were overjoyed as the pair have always been good friends.
However, Dec has now opened up about why he specifically chose pal Holly as his jungle accomplice over all the other presenters that he knows.
It turns out that Dec just couldn't face hosting the show with another man, as it wouldn't have felt right without Ant. He explained, "As always I’m incredibly excited to be heading to Oz for I’m A Celebrity.
"It is obviously tinged with sadness that Ant won’t be coming this year, I’m going to really miss him, but it’s only for one series and he’ll be back stronger next year. I didn’t want to host this series with another guy so Holly was top of my list."
Swipe through to see all the celebrities who could be going into the I'm A Celeb jungle this year...
Jamie Laing
heat Radio DJ and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is reportedly keen to join the show after his friend Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo's success last year. Toff was crowned Queen of the Jungle after impressing the public with her hilarious personality.
Dec Donnelly's heartbreaking reason behind choosing Holly Willoughby for I'm A Celeb
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Anne Hegerty
The Chase star Anne Hegerty is a firm favourite for the 2018 series!
Jamie Laing
heat Radio DJ and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is reportedly keen to join the show after his friend Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo's success last year. Toff was crowned Queen of the Jungle after impressing the public with her hilarious personality.
Danny Dyer
After his daughter's success on this year's Love Island, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is hotly tipped to appear in the jungle. Danny recently admitted he loves reality TV, so could we see another Dyer on our screens this year?
Aaron Chalmers
Former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers has admitted he won't be returning to the MTV show after following his dream of MMA fighting, but could he be heading into the jungle?
Lucy Fallon
Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon (AKA Bethany Platt) has recently said she'd love to do the show as a 'challenge'. She said, "I think I'd be good at the jungle. I like to challenge myself and that's the most challenging show you can do."
Kieran Hayler
After all of his drama with Katie Price, bosses are reportedly VERY keen to sign up Kieran Hayler for the 2018 series.
Rosie Marcel
Holby City actress Rosie Marcel got tongues wagging when she confessed she'd already had a few meetings with I'm A Celebrity bosses.
Speaking on Loose Women, Rosie said, "I've had a couple of meetings. I have spoken to them, it is something I would love to do actually. I think for me it would be an amazing challenge."
Olivia Attwood
Olivia Attwood hasn't been out of the spotlight since appearing on Love Island in 2017. Not only did she land her own show with her ex-boyfriend Chris Hughes, Olivia on the new series of Celebs Go Dating.
But with that show due to end before November, could Olivia be heading into the jungle as well?
Brendan Cole
After being dropped from Strictly Come Dancing despite appearing on the show for 13 years, Brendan Cole has some spare time on his hands.
He told the Daily Star, "I have never had from July 31 until Christmas off. I have never been able to take on any other responsibilities, not even the odd corporate job because your time is devoted to Strictly.
"Now that time is all of a sudden free, all of the things I wanted to do is now available."
Catherine Tyldesley
Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley started rumours when she admitted she'd like to spend more time in Australia so she could visit her family.
After shutting down reports that she was set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, could we see Catherine heading Down Under?
Kate Garraway
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has reportedly been approached by I'm A Celebrity bosses, with reports suggesting she could get £150,000 to appear.
Nigel Farage
He's been rumoured for the last few years, even turning down a reported £1 million in 2016 - so will bosses be able to convince Nigel Farage this year?
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles revealed in an interview on Lorraine that he'd "never say never," adding, "Do you know what? I think it would be quite fun to do because of all the trials, I quite fancy having a go at that. I get asked every year and I've always said I wouldn't do it but who knows?"
Harry Redknapp
Football manager Harry Redknapp fueled rumours he was heading into the jungle earlier this month when he told his radio co-stars "I'm not allowed to say!" when asked the question.
He then added, "Anything could happen between now and then. I wouldn't like to bet one way or the other."
Anne Hegerty
The Chase star Anne Hegerty is a firm favourite for the 2018 series!
Jamie Laing
heat Radio DJ and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is reportedly keen to join the show after his friend Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo's success last year. Toff was crowned Queen of the Jungle after impressing the public with her hilarious personality.
Danny Dyer
After his daughter's success on this year's Love Island, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is hotly tipped to appear in the jungle. Danny recently admitted he loves reality TV, so could we see another Dyer on our screens this year?
Aaron Chalmers
Former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers has admitted he won't be returning to the MTV show after following his dream of MMA fighting, but could he be heading into the jungle?
Lucy Fallon
Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon (AKA Bethany Platt) has recently said she'd love to do the show as a 'challenge'. She said, "I think I'd be good at the jungle. I like to challenge myself and that's the most challenging show you can do."
Kieran Hayler
After all of his drama with Katie Price, bosses are reportedly VERY keen to sign up Kieran Hayler for the 2018 series.
Rosie Marcel
Holby City actress Rosie Marcel got tongues wagging when she confessed she'd already had a few meetings with I'm A Celebrity bosses.
Speaking on Loose Women, Rosie said, "I've had a couple of meetings. I have spoken to them, it is something I would love to do actually. I think for me it would be an amazing challenge."
Olivia Attwood
Olivia Attwood hasn't been out of the spotlight since appearing on Love Island in 2017. Not only did she land her own show with her ex-boyfriend Chris Hughes, Olivia on the new series of Celebs Go Dating.
But with that show due to end before November, could Olivia be heading into the jungle as well?
Brendan Cole
After being dropped from Strictly Come Dancing despite appearing on the show for 13 years, Brendan Cole has some spare time on his hands.
He told the Daily Star, "I have never had from July 31 until Christmas off. I have never been able to take on any other responsibilities, not even the odd corporate job because your time is devoted to Strictly.
"Now that time is all of a sudden free, all of the things I wanted to do is now available."
Catherine Tyldesley
Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley started rumours when she admitted she'd like to spend more time in Australia so she could visit her family.
After shutting down reports that she was set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, could we see Catherine heading Down Under?
Kate Garraway
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has reportedly been approached by I'm A Celebrity bosses, with reports suggesting she could get £150,000 to appear.
Nigel Farage
He's been rumoured for the last few years, even turning down a reported £1 million in 2016 - so will bosses be able to convince Nigel Farage this year?
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles revealed in an interview on Lorraine that he'd "never say never," adding, "Do you know what? I think it would be quite fun to do because of all the trials, I quite fancy having a go at that. I get asked every year and I've always said I wouldn't do it but who knows?"
Harry Redknapp
Football manager Harry Redknapp fueled rumours he was heading into the jungle earlier this month when he told his radio co-stars "I'm not allowed to say!" when asked the question.
He then added, "Anything could happen between now and then. I wouldn't like to bet one way or the other."
Anne Hegerty
The Chase star Anne Hegerty is a firm favourite for the 2018 series!
Dec also revealed to the Mirror that he'd given Holly - who is notoriously afraid of creepy crawlies - some tips ahead of the show. "I have given her a few," he admitted. "Like always check the inside of your shoes before you put them on and what to do if you get a tick or a leech attach itself to you. But I had to stop because I thought she was going to faint."
This comes after Dec shared an official snap of himself with Holly for the show with a touching caption. Although it was funny, it's clear he didn't want to start off the I'm A Celeb season without referencing his absent buddy.
He wrote, 'Ant’s looking well don’t you think!? I’m joking of course, Holly and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Australia next Sunday night.'
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! launches on Sunday 18th November on ITV at 9pm.
