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Simon Duke

Who is Jill Scott? I'm A Celebrity victory looms for Sunderland born star

rJill Scott is the overwhelming favourite to win this year's I'm A Celebrity, just months after tasting Euros victory with the England Lionesses.

As soon as Jill's name appeared on the confirmed line-up for the new series of the ITV show, she was hotly tipped to do very well in the jungle and the Sunderland born star has lived up to expectations by making the top three and being thoroughly entertaining on her way to making Sunday's final.

Jill has been a hero in all of the Bushtucker Trials she'd done, had some great banter with I'm A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec and been great all rounder in camp. And now bookies are convinced she will be Queen of the Jungle for 2022. She was 2/9 overwhelming favourite with William Hill just hours before the final, as Matt Hancock overtook Owen Warner to be a second favourite.

READ MORE: Owen Warner causes alarm as I'm A Celebrity win 'under threat'

Speaking before the final, William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “She had drifted out to odds-against earlier this week, but Jill Scott has been heavily backed in recent days for the I’m A Celeb title and is now the overwhelming favourite at 2/9 ahead of tonight’s final. She’s by far the most likely winner according to the odds, with Matt Hancock next best at 5/1 and Owen Warner the outsider of the three at 10/1.”

Who is Jill Scott?

Jill, 35, was born in Sunderland on February 2, 1987 and is best known for her exploits on the football pitch, both for top women's sides and for England. A former pupil of Monkwearmouth School, football wasn't Jill's first spot, with her tall frame making her a brilliant long distance runner, competing for Sunderland Harriers, winning the North of England Under-13 cross-country title and the Junior Great North Run.

After moving to Gateshead College, Jill played for the school's team, alongside Cathy Telford, who also ended up playing for England. Jill began her senior football career with Sunderland, winning Player of the Month at the age of just 18. After a year with her home team, Jill joined Everton in 2006, turning down an offer to move to Doncaster Belles in favour of signing for the Toffees' women's team.

Jill Scott (PA)

She won FA Tesco Players' Player of the Year award for the 2007/8 season whilst at Everton, before deciding to leave at the end of the 2013 campaign to make the switch to Manchester City. Jill made a return to Everton on loan in January 2021, before then going on loan at Aston Villa this year.

Jill was one of the victorious England Lionesses squad who won the Euros final at Wembley, with a 2-1 win over Germany. She announced her retirement from football not long after and now runs BoxxtoBoxx coffee shop in Wythenshawe, Manchester, with her partner Shelly.

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