Ant and Dec were quick to throw shade at Tommy Fury at the start of I’m A Celebrity on Sunday night.

The professional boxer, 25, was tipped to appear in this year’s series but was reported that ‘he pulled out last minute for a more lucrative opportunity’.

He was said to have pulled out of the show to fight YouTuber KSI instead. 

And the Geordie duo couldn’t resist making a jibe at Tommy as they celebrated getting Barry McGuigan to do the show.

They said they managed to get such a big name because ‘it was either do this or fight a YouTuber on Netflix’.

Fans were in hysterics after the I’m A Celeb hosts made a savage dig at the former Love Island star.

Ant and Dec were quick to throw shade at Tommy Fury, 25, at the start of I’m A Celebrity on Sunday night

The professional boxer was tipped to appear in this year’s series but was reported that ‘he pulled out last minute for a more lucrative opportunity’

Taking to X, viewers penned: ‘It was either do this or fight a YouTuber on Netflix #ImACeleb’,

‘Either do this or fight a YouTuber on Netflix” #imaceleb’,

‘Fight a YouTuber on Netflix … the burn #ImACeleb’,

Hours before the ITV series aired, it was confirmed the boxer will make his long-awaited return to boxing in January.

The former Love Island contestant has not stepped foot inside the ring since his controversial win over YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI in October last year.

Tommy will return to boxing in the new year to take on former UFC Darren Till at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Darren will prove to be a formidable opponent for Tommy despite only having one boxing fight to date and having not competed in the UFC since 2022.

When Tommy’s I’m A Celeb pull out was revealed, an TV insider told The Sun: ‘Bosses are surprised Tommy has chosen to pull out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him too.

He was said to have pulled out of the show to fight YouTuber KSI instead

And the Geordie duo couldn’t resist making a jibe at Tommy as they celebrated getting Barry McGuigan to do the show 

They said they managed to get such a big name because ‘it was either do this or fight a YouTuber on Netflix’

Fans were in hysterics after the I’m A Celeb hosts made a savage dig at the former Love Island star

I’m A Celebrity bosses reportedly have set their targets on Maura Higgins replacing Tommy in the jungle

Read More I’m A Celeb hosts Ant and Dec leave viewers in HYSTERICS as they joke about Rebekah Vardy

‘Thankfully, the execs already had some great names waiting in the wings so they’ll now be looking at which ones fit best into the line up already booked so they can deliver a truly great series.

‘With only weeks to go, bosses have lined up one of the most exciting casts in the show’s history.’ 

Maura Higgins is reportedly replacing Tommy on the ITV show as a latecomer in the series. 

A source told The Sun: ‘With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.

‘She’ll bringing a bit of glamour to the jungle and make a brilliant campmate because she’s got a great sense of humour and is bound to get on with everyone.

‘It’s shaping up to be a strong year for woman on I’m A Celebrity this year.’ 

To find out more tune into I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Monday at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX 

I’M A CELEBRITY 2024: MEET THE ALL STAR LINE UP

OTI MABUSE  

Oti Mabuse has already two Strictly glitterballs under her belt

AGE: 34

OCCUPATION: Professional dancer

FAMOUS FOR: Oti is best known for being a professional dancer on the British television series Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2019 and 2020. 

DANNY JONES 

Danny Jones is one of the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s I’m A Celeb

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: McFly singer

FAMOUS FOR:  Danny is one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for pop-rock band McFly. 

He is also a coach on The Voice UK. 

BARRY MCGUIGAN 

Former boxer Barry McGuigan is heading into the jungle

AGE: 63

OCCUPATION: Retired professional boxer

FAMOUS FOR:  Barry was nicknamed The Clones Cyclone and held the WBA and lineal featherweight тιтles from 1985 to 1986. 

GK BARRY

GK Barry is a TikTok star who recently joined the ITV family on Loose Women

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION: TikTok star 

FAMOUS FOR: Grace is known for her comedic commentary on culture, lifestyle, and fashion. She has over 3.6 million followers and recently joined the Loose Women panel. 

DEAN MCCULLOUGH 

ITV bosses are hoping Dean McCullough will ruffle feathers in the camp

AGE: 32

OCCUPATION:  Radio 1 DJ 

FAMOUS FOR:  Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by I’m A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views. 

Earlier this year it was announced Dean would be taking over the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, after previously fronting the afternoon slot.  

JANE MOORE  

Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women

AGE: 62

OCCUPATION: Journalist

 FAMOUS FOR:  Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women between 1999 and 2002. 

She returned as a regular panellist from 2013 onwards.

Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from husband of 20 years, Showbiz agent, Gary Farrow. 

MELVIN ODOOM  

Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION: DJ and TV presenter

FAMOUS FOR: His work on radio. Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.

He also had a primetime stint on Strictly back in 2016.

COLEEN ROONEY 

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: WAG

FAMOUS FOR: Wagatha Christie case against arch rival Rebekah Vardy.

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history, exceeding Nigel Farage’s £1.5million from last year.

ALAN HALSALL  

Alan Halsall is best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street

AGE: 42

OCCUPATION: Actor 

FAMOUS FOR: Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from I’m A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.

Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap. 

TULISA  

Tulisa is making her career comeback after reuniting with N-Dubz last year

AGE: 36

OCCUPATION: Singer and former X Factor judge 

FAMOUS FOR: Tulisa reunited with N-Dubz last year for a tour after first finding fame with the band in 2007.

In 2011, she became a judge on The X Factor and went on to launch her debut solo album, The Female Boss. 

She released her fourth album with N-Dubz last year.