I’m A Celebrity South Africa is here, bringing some of our most memorable contestants back into the jungle for round two of the ITV show.
However, it isn’t the bushtucker trials that have left fans talking this year. Rather, it’s campmate Ashley Roberts’ former relationship with presenter Declan Donnelly.
The Pussycat Doll is back on I’m A Celebrity more than a decade after she first competed on the main version of the show. And it’s this appearance that is said to have sparked a brief romance with Dec (who presents the show with Anthony McPartlin).
Taking to X as episodes of the show aired, one fan wrote, ‘Anyone else remember that Ashley and Dec used to be a thing?’ Another added, ‘Who remembers the days people thought Ashley and Dec were dating?!’
So, did Ashley Roberts really date Declan Donnelly?
Let’s dive in.
Following her stint on I’m A Celeb back in 2012, it’s been reported that Ashley, 44, struck up a romance with Dec, 50. While Dec’s apparent crush on Ashley was a running joke on that season of the show, he initially denied that anything was going on between them.
However, a flirty appearance at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards (TRIC) the following year left fans thinking there was a something brewing.
The pair kept their romance largely on the down low, however Ashley did touch on the rumours in 2013. The radio host said, ‘We’re trying to keep it out of the public eye. We’re just getting to know each other. We’re having fun, but I’m single. I love both those guys.’
And while the show has already given way to several candid chats about unconventional love lives and heartbreaking childhoods, there’s slim chance that Ashley will comment on her former relationship with Dec.
A TV insider told the Mirror: ‘As with any campmate, relevant stories are discussed in preliminary chats with the celeb and the team. Ashley would’ve been assured anything relating to her link with Dec will be totally off the table and not alluded to in any jokes or references.’
Since their brief fling, both have moved on. Ashley is thought to be dating artist George Rollinson, 25. Meanwhile, Dec has been married to his former manager Ali Astall, 47, since 2015.
I’m A Celebrity South Africa continues on ITV1 and ITVX
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Charlotte Roberts is a writer at Grazia UK, specialising in SEO. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment – from film review roundups to cast explainers.
