I'm A Celebrity 2022 'signs up football legend' as show returns to Australia

A footballing legend is set to star in this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Adebayo Akinfenwa is reportedly considering taking part in the much-loved ITV show, which will return to the Australian jungle later this year.

For the past two years, hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have fronted the show from Gwrych Castle in Wales due to the Covid pandemic.

No celebrities have officially been confirmed for the 2022 line-up as of yet, but if former Wycombe Wanderers striker Akinfenwa does sign up, he's sure to be confident when it comes to the Bushtucker Trials.

Adebayo Akinfenwa is reportedly considering taking part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (Getty Images)

According to The Sun, 40-year-old Akinfenwa would be popular with younger viewers as he’s a big Fifa video games name — regularly rated stronger than any other player.

A source told the publication: "Ade is in the frame and would be keen on appearing. He was a hardman on the pitch, but is a gent off it.

"He’s also charismatic and funny and knows loads of people in the game," they added.

Akinfenwa quit football in May this year after 22 years of playing for teams such as Millwall, AFC Wimbledon and Swansea City (Action Images via Reuters)

Londoner Akinfenwa quit professional football in May this year after 22 years of playing for teams such as Millwall, AFC Wimbledon and Swansea City.

The news comes after rumours continue to swirl about who could be joining the I'm A Celebrity All Stars line-up.

Former camp mates such as Carol Vorderman and Paul Burrell are said to be taking part in the spin-off show that will bring together celebrities from former series.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will return to Australia for the 2022 series of I'm A Celeb (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

I'm A Celebrity All Stars is set to be filmed in South Africa this summer but won't be broadcast until next year.

A source claimed: "Carol was always top of producers’ wishlist; in some ways she was the perfect campmate.

"She was funny, outspoken and intelligent and let’s just say she gave the younger girls a run for their money in the jungle shower," they told The Sun.

Carol Vorderman could be set to take part in the upcoming spin-off I'm A Celebrity All Stars (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"Her flirtations with Joel were one of the big talking points of the series so signing up Carol for All Stars looks like a no brainer," the insider added.

Mother-of-two Carol took part in the sixteenth series of I'm A Celebrity back in 2016 alongside the likes of Adam Thomas, Wayne Bridge and OIa Jordan.

The Mirror has contacted a representative for Akinfenwa asking for comment.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! returns to ITV later this year.