Gary Lineker aims cheeky 'dig' at Tony Bellew and Co after 'desperate' I'm A Celeb appearance

Gary Lineker has aimed a cheeky dig at Tony Bellew and his fellow I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestants.

Former world champion Bellew and famous jockey Frankie Dettori were the only sports stars in the jungle for the popular ITV programme this year.

Bellew went all the way to the final before missing out on being named the king of the jungle. Meanwhile, Dettori was the first celebrity voted off.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker aimed a cheeky dig at the likes of Bellew and other celebrities who agree to appear on the show.

The Match of the Day presenter said: “I’ve got a question from Nick Ward who asks with all the major reality game shows, Strictly, I’m A Celeb, Master Chef etc., have any of you been asked to take part in any and is there one you would like to be part of?

“I can categorically say no I’m not interested in any reality show and if you ever see me on one you will know things have gone horribly wrong.”

Lineker continued: “It’s always a desperation measure isn’t it? I mean comeon, why would you put yourself through the jungle?

“I think it’s people trying to boost their career or save their career.”

When reminded by Micah Richards that Ian Wright has been in the jungle, Lineker joked: “My point entirely.”

At this point, Alan Shearer added: “Think there were half a million reasons why he went in.”

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Reflecting on his time in the jungle, Bellew told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I'll never quit no matter how hard it gets. It was difficult. I was going through a lot before I went in there with my personal life, losing my nan and I missed my son's birthday which I promised him I'd never do again after I retired.

“When Rachael appeared in the jungle it broke me for a good ten minutes. I wanted to walk out and leave with her.”

He continued: “She told me I couldn't. It would have been such a disappointment for the kids. It broke my heart to leave her again.

“But I was going back to Sam! He's an amazing person. Anyone who doesn't love him hasn't got a soul.”