Holly willoughby breaks silence on replacing ant mcpartlin

Holly Willoughby, 37, will be accompanying Dec, 42, to Australia when he jets off to take the helm for the 15th series of the ITV reality show. With Ant taking time away from the spotlight,

the blonde beauty will step into his shoes when the series returns to screens. The This Morning presenter said: 'I couldn’t be more excited to have been asked to stand alongside Dec for

the next jungle adventure. "I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery." She continued: "These are big shoes, not to fill, but just

to keep warm for a little bit... Honestly, I’m a huge fan of ‘I’m a Celebrity’ and actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show! "When is it a good

time to tell Dec I’m scared of everything that moves?!" she joked. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! favourite Ant, 42, previously confirmed he would not be hosting alongside

his long-time partner Dec earlier this year. In recent weeks, speculation has been mounting Holly could be the one to step up and head to the jungle in Ant's place. Just last week, ITV

confirmed Dec would have a new co-host and would not being going it alone on I’m A Celeb. Channel boss Kevin Lygo said: “The good news is [Ant is] doing well, he’s going everything he should

be doing to get better. “He’s not going to go to the jungle. We’ll find someone to go with Dec.” Ant is taking some time off from all TV commitments after returning to rehab following his

conviction for drink-driving. The Geordie star previously completed a two-month rehab stint to help tackle his addiction to prescription painkillers last summer. Dec voiced his support for

Holly taking over from Ant, saying: “I’m hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year. “She was at the top of my list and I’m thrilled she said yes. It will

be a different kind of series but we will try out best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers.” The fan favourite added: “I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of

everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials!” This Morning broke Holly’s big news on the show today, with Ruth Langsford, 58,

announcing: “I can exclusively reveal our own Holly Willoughby will be heading Down Under. “She will be co-hosting with her on-screen friend, Dec.” Ruth’s husband Eamonn, 58, later chipped:

“Ant, I hope you enjoy watching what is going on.” Fans have since taken to Twitter to share their support for Holly, with one saying: “I think Holly was the best choice, She has a really

good friendship with both Ant and Dec and she respects them.” “Will be so funny,” a second said. “Can’t wait!” A third said they would miss Ant, but added: “Good choice though with Holly.”