Andy Whyment and Shaun Ryder have become the duo fans didn't know they needed as they amazed themselves with their real-life link on I'm A Celebrity... South Africa. Happy Monday's singer Shaun was among the original line-up for the first-ever spin-off of the ITV reality show.
But Coronation Street star Andy, who is famed for playing Kirk Sutherland in the ITV soap, was a latecomer to the series, which was pre-recorded last year, in the new setting of Kruger National Park, as opposed to the usual jungle location in Australia.
He arrived alongside Myleene Klass and Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo as a string of the show's most memorable campmates battle it out to become the first 'I'm A Celebrity Legend'.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Former Made In Chelsea star Toff was the first of the new trio to secure her place in the main camp after they were sent to the more basic "Savannah Scrub" camp. In a twist, she then had to choose one of the star's from main camp to replace her.
She chose Shaun and as he headed to the other camp and met with Andy, the pair discovered an unlikely connection between them. It is no secret that the pair hail from Greater Manchester, with Shaun telling Andy he is currently based in Salford which took the soap star by surprise.
It then came to light that the pair went to the same primary school, secondary school and lived around the corner from each other and fans were loving see the pair connect. Shaun said: "I grew up in Clifton!" as he said he went to St. Marks School in the suburb.
![](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article26799658.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Im-A-Celebrity-South-Africa-Series-1-Episode-4-27-Apr-2023.jpg)
Andy, 42, then exclaimed: "I went to St Marks!" and a surprised Shaun said: "Really?" as the pair shook hands. Andy then said he went to Ambrose Barlow High School and 60-year-old Shaun was surprised again as he also went there - albeit years apart.
Andy said: "The mad thing is we live like, not far from each other and the first time we met is in the jungle!" And I'm A Celeb viewers were quick to flock to social media as they shared their joy at Andy and Shaun connecting.
@xjade_xo tweeted: "Shaun and Andy realising they went to the same schools and being so happy about it is giving me serotonin #ImACeleb." @RyanTheSoapking posted: "I'm fully here for a Shaun and Andy bromance. #ImACeleb."
@TeamToff joked: "Shaun and Andy or SHANDY #ImACeleb." @Hannah59sound said: "Andy and Shaun are absolute gems. I love them. #ImACeleb." @Sazzynes shared: "Shaun & Andy are the Mancunian duo I didn't know I needed until now! #ImACeleb." @rapunzelrobot added: "The Andy and Shaun bromance is already the best thing about this series! #ImACeleb."
READ NEXT:
- Molly-Mae Hague had 'meltdown' during first job after birth as she shares real reason for quick work return
- Gemma Atkinson shares moving tribute 21 years after her world was 'shattered'
- Michelle Keegan given 'all the 10s' as she wows at Netflix event while some say 'it's sad'
- ITV This Morning viewers say its a 'tragedy' as they gush over Josie Gibson's appearance
- Molly-Mae Hague told 'get used to it' as she makes observation on first holiday with baby Bambi