Pete Wicks is up for an I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! stint next year after sending out a come-and-get-me plea to ITV bosses.

The TOWIE legend – backing best pal Sam Thompson to triumph in the jungle this series – says he’s up for following in his friend’s footsteps in a years’ time. Pete has flown out to greet the Made In Chelsea star on the Bridge – getting the nod over his girlfriend Zara McDermott after her Strictly Come Dancing exit came too late to change the travel arrangements.

He says Sam can go all the way and win it but will we be seeing the 35-year-old in camp before too long? He told the Mirror that he’ll be up for it if asked and thinks he could be cut out for it after watching his buddy battle it out with snakes and spiders before he jumped on a plane to see him.

“Do you know what, I like anything that’s a bit of a challenge. I love taking myself out of my comfort zone,” he said. “What an experience that would be! I’m so blessed to be in the position I am in that I get to do some mad and crazy things. Spending three weeks in the jungle would be another mad and crazy thing I wouldn’t otherwise not get a chance to do.

“So as a life experience, it would be an amazing thing to do.” Some of his fans wouldn’t mind seeing him flex his muscles in the camp shower and after getting a glimpse of politician Nigel Farage, the reality favourite joked: “Well, that would be a bit of a downgrade for everyone!”

After landing in Brisbane, many wondered why it is Pete out there supporting Sam and not his girlfriend Zara. Although the couple originally thought Zara wouldn’t be able to travel Down Under as she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, the 26-year-old Love Island star turned documentary maker was voted off during Halloween week, meaning she is now free.

But, instead of choosing his girlfriend to meet him on the famous I’m A Celeb bridge as he leaves camp. “He could have flipped me out when Zara left Strictly Come Dancing, but decided not to! I wouldn’t give up my seat! We all thought Zara would still be in, which is why I’m the one going out. To be honest, ITV are more interested in me going out as they need someone to restrain Sam from Ant and Dec when he leaves! I’m more going to be their personal security, to keep them safe.

“He’s doing amazingly well, we’re seeing Sam for Sam and I’m really pleased about that. He’s a bundle of energy and I think that can be a little annoying for people before they get to know him. It’s one of the reasons I love him. He’s just so happy all the time, which helps because I’m quite miserable. He’s been so excited for the past few months about going in. He’s watched the show since he was a kid and I’m really proud of him.”

Pete is partnering with Argos this festive season as part of their ‘Christmas Hints’ campaign. He will be on hand to help Brits get what they really want on December 25, offering not-so-subtle ‘Hints’ to loved ones via video, that loved ones have applied for. Telling us all about the idea, he says: “I’m not a massive fan on Christmas.

“The main reason is nobody ever gets the presents right! Most people get presents they don’t want – I read a stat saying 73 per cent of people get an unfortunate gift, dead plans, out of date chocolate – stuff like that. i’m guest of that too! So this year I’m working with Argos and I am going to be doing some not-so-subtle hints for people. People can get my to not-so-subtly hint to their loved ones what they want for Christmas. There’s nothing worse than being disappointed on Christmas day!”