Nigel Farage isn’t doing I’m A Celeb ‘for the money’ claims Christine Hamilton | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Nigel Farage did not sign up to I’m A Celebrity because of the enormous pay cheque, claims Christine Hamilton.

The former UKIP leader has reportedly been paid a staggering £1.5 million to appear on the ITV jungle show.

The lump sum would make him the highest-ever paid contestant on the show by a long mile, tripling the £500,000 Boy George was said to have pocketed last year when he was known as the show’s highest-paid contestant.

But Nigel’s pal Christine, who is married to former Conservative member of parliament, Neil Hamilton, insisted on ITV’s Lorraine that it was the chance for him to “perform to millions”.

“He’s obviously gonna get a fortune,” said host Lorraine Kelly to Christine, who was a guest on the show. “I don’t know how much, but a hell of a lot of money. Was that the main reason for him going in?”

“Oh no,” Christine replied explaining Nigel wasn’t doing the show fo the money. “He’s a performer. Apparently, they rang him every single year wanting him to go in and apparently, they’ve paid him a million and a half, which is of course a very strong incentive.”

“But he will absolutely love it,” she declared. “He loves having an audience and having an audience of millions.”

Acknowledging his divisive appearance on the show, she added: “He is Marmite.”

Many viewers have been left incensed and written complaints to ITV after it was reported the broadcaster would be forking out the eye-watering sum to the GB News host to feature in the show.

Best for Britain has launched a new campaign urging the public to pledge to boycott the show, which airs on Sunday. Since its launch, the campaign has prompted more than 1000 people to complain to ITV about platforming Nigel.

Naomi Smith, CEO of the organisation, said: “While the thought of Farage mingling with other creepy-crawlies may seem appropriate, anything that normalises or amplifies his toxic views must be opposed…”

Speaking about his contentious stint in the jungle, Nigel said: “Given millions hate me, I do expect people will vote for me to do trials!”

He added: “And the idea that somehow the things I represent – mean-spirited, small-minded, nasty, the ‘little Englander’ – all those accusations that have been flung at me over the years just aren’t true.

“If we can dispel some of those misconceptions, then that will be a good thing too.”

You can read about the full confirmed I’m A Celeb line-up here

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.