Wayne Bridge thinks he’s more famous for taking part in ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ last year than he is for his impressive football career.
The 37-year-old retired footballer may have played for the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, Manchester City and Fulham during his Premier League career, but he believes people recognise him more now following his stint on the creepy-crawly show in 2016.
Speaking to Askfans.co.uk, he said: "I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did and now I’m probably more famous for I’m A Celeb than being a footballer.
"I walk down the street now and the amount of people that watch it, I get stopped constantly mainly because of that. I loved it and if I could re-live it I would."
The sportsman couldn’t believe how well he adapted to jungle life because he used to be so terrified of bugs but saw past his anxiety in order to bring home the grub.
He explained: "I’ve got so many memories. Unbelievable. When it’s on now I wish I was doing it again! I was so nervous, but it was an unbelievable experience. I loved living outdoors. I’m scared of everything creepy crawly and there’s me sleeping in the jungle like a baby. It didn’t really affect me for some reason. When it came to any task I just zoned out. My competitiveness came out and when it was a tarantula, snake, anything I was just looking and concentrating on the stars. I just didn’t want to lose."
And, although it’s been over a year since he took part in the programme, he has admitted he’s still in touch with his former camp mates via Whatsapp.
He said: "I had a great crowd too. A really good group. There’s still a group chat going now so we were chatting about it on the first episode.
"I spoke to Ola [Jordan] on the phone about it, said we should get Frankie [Bridge, his wife] and James [Jordan, Ola’s husband] on it so we could go for a holiday while they’re on the show! I spoke to Carol [Vorderman] and she said the men aren’t as good looking, thanks Carol! I’m sure she didn’t mean me, more like Joel and Adam.
"We speak to Larry [Lamb] quite a lot too. He’s a top guy. Everyone is still in touch."