Louise Minchin talks plans for life after ‘I’m a Celeb’

Presenter Louise Minchin joined Good Morning Britain for her first interview since leaving I’m A Celeb.

Speaking to Kate Garraway and Adil Ray from Wales, Louise said she was delighted to be returning home.

“I feel really relieved, I feel really happy, I loved my time in there, but honestly, I’m so excited to be going home.

“I’m warm for the first time in a very long time. I would love to still be there, but I’m very happy to be out. I came out and I got into a very deep, very long bath and I’ve had another one this morning. I had fish and chips. Honestly I’ve been desperate for any kind of different food, but fish and chips has definitely been on my mind.

“I had a pile of pancakes this morning with cream with raspberry jam. Honestly, you know what it’s like – it’s been such an extraordinary experience. Those rice and beans, I couldn’t eat them for the first five days. I’m not sure you ever get used to them!”

Adil asked about why she’d chosen to speak to GMB over her former BBC Breakfast colleagues.

“I’m going to be in terrible trouble!” she laughed. “I’m just looking at my phone which is just over there and I expect my former boss will be texting me saying,’That’s it, it’s over’… so we’ll see.”

On what she wants to do next, Louise said:

“I always wanted to do the programme, so this seemed like a perfect year to do it. I love that it was in Wales – apart from the cold, which has been relentless. I don’t know what’s next. I have lots of ideas, I want to write a book, I want to write a murder mystery set in a reality TV show in a castle – that’s what I’d like to do!”

“…I’ve got lots of ideas. It’s been such an extraordinary thing I think I need to settle a bit, consider what I want to do next. I know I need to rest a bit, I need to eat a lot and see what happens!

Kate then asked, “You know what people are going to say – you’re here on Good Morning Britain, you were adored on BBC Breakfast, everyone loved you there – are you thinking of making the move and should I get my coat? To be fair I’ve had a good run…”

Louise said: “No! Don’t get your coat! I’ve done those hours, I’ve got up at 3:40 in the morning for about 20 years, no! Keep your coats.”

On why she did I’m A Celeb, Louise explained:

“I’ve watched the programme for years, I love challenges, I like taking on things, I love Ant and Dec for starters, I can’t wait to go back and watch all the funny things they’ve been saying about us.

“Like you two, I’ve never been able to really be myself on telly because obviously the job I had like yours is a very responsible one, and I think everybody will have seen – and I’m a bit embarrassed that I’ve done this on national television – if you’ve seen Dancing Queen, that is me when I’m out with my friends and family.

“That’s the message to all those women who are my age, who are mums – do you know what? We can still have a great time – let’s go out, let’s enjoy our lives.”

Louise revealed it’s a toss up for who she wants to win, saying, “I’ll be voting for Frankie, and I’ll be voting for Simon. He brings light to that camp in a really subtle and sweet way and he’s one of the most caring people in that camp. I had a difficult day yesterday and he was the person who noticed… he’s a really caring spirit.”

Good Morning Britain weekdays from 6 am on ITV and watch the show in full at the itv.com/hub