EastEnders icon Shane Ritchie joins I’m A Celebrity line-up as 10 stars confirmed for the show

SOAP icon Shane Richie is the latest star confirmed for the new look I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, The Sun can reveal.

The EastEnders favourite, 56, has agreed to take part in the ITV show and will now go into a two-week quarantine before it starts next month.

Getty Images - Getty

Shane Richie is the latest big name to sign up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity[/caption]

Dad-of-five Shane is best known for his time on Albert Square as loveable rogue Alfie Moon alongside on-screen wife Kat Slater — played by Jessie Wallace, 49.

As well as being a staple of British TV for nearly three decades, he is also an in-demand panto favourite around Christmas time.

An insider said: “ITV have always wanted Shane for the jungle but with panto not happening this year and other work opportunities less likely, he decided this was the time to take the plunge.

“Going to North Wales is less of a huge commitment than flying halfway across the world, too, so he jumped at the chance.

WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Shane with Jessie Wallace as Alfie Moon and Kat Slater on EastEnders[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

I’m A Celeb will be filmed in Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, rather than Australia[/caption]

“He’s already being talked about by production as an early favourite as he’s such a likeable bloke and known to millions of soap fans.

“ITV are delighted they’ve managed to convince him to take part.”

This year’s I’m A Celebrity is being filmed in Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, rather than Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia, due to Covid.

And Shane — sure to be a front-runner to be crowned “king” — follows a long line of former Walford stars who have taken part, including past winners Charlie Brooks, Joe Swash and Jacqueline Jossa.

Rex Features

Fellow EastEnders star Jessica Plummer has also signed up for the show[/caption]

Rex Features

Corrie’s Beverley Callard will be entering the castle next month[/caption]

Rex Features

Ex-Strictly pro AJ Pritchard has agreed to take part in I’m A Celeb[/caption]

Ant and Dec will return as hosts for the show’s expected start on November 15

The new set at the previously derelict 200-year-old castle will include familiar features such as the central camp fire, congregation and task areas, and an outside toilet.

Shane will be joined by fellow soap stars Jessica Plummer, 28, and Beverley Callard, 63.

The Sun revealed yesterday that Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, 37, will be there too.

And last week we unmasked West End actress, singer and dancer Ruthie Henshall, 53, operatic tenor Russell Watson, 53, and Paralympian Hollie Arnold, 26, as contestants.

Pacemaker Press

The Sun revealed yesterday Olympic legend Mo Farah has signed up to I’m A Celeb[/caption]

Rex Features

Ruthie Henshall is among the stars who have signed up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity[/caption]

PA:Press Association

BBC news host Victoria Derbyshire was the fifth official signing for the show[/caption]

Rex Features

Vernon Kay is self-isolating in a hotel for two weeks before entering the I’m A Celeb castle[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Paralympian Hollie Arnold has also signed up[/caption]

Rex Features

Operatic tenor Russell Watson has agreed to take part[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

Keith Duffy is eyeing up a place in this year’s I’m A Celebrity[/caption]

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk