Barry McGuigan and Maura Higgins Eliminated from I’m a Celebrity

Professional boxer Barry McGuigan, a former competitor, has been eliminated from I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! This occurred during an unexpected double elimination, making him the fifth participant to depart the jungle, alongside his fellow campmate and former Irish Love Island contestant, Maura Higgins. McGuigan’s time in the jungle spanned 20 days, during which he participated in the ‘spiralling out of control’ challenge and discussed the passing of his daughter. He stated that the jungle experience proved more challenging than his initial expectations. “I’ve had an incredible time but it was tough having no salt or pepper, we take these things for granted,” he remarked. McGuigan, who was born in Clones, County Monaghan, and known as The Clones Cyclone, achieved the title of World Featherweight Champion in 1985. During his jungle stay, he recounted various significant moments. A particularly poignant instance for many viewers was an emotional discussion where he spoke about his daughter’s death. McGuigan informed his fellow campmates that she had initially recovered from leukaemia as a child following two years of treatment. His daughter, actress Danika McGuigan, passed away in 2019 at the age of 33, five weeks after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Throughout his participation in the jungle, McGuigan engaged in two challenges. He experienced frustration during the coffin challenge, failing to secure stars for the camp because he could not discern the numbers required to unlock the padlock codes while encircled by snakes. Nevertheless, he achieved a successful outcome in the ‘spiralling out of control challenge’, earning 10 out of a possible 11 stars. McGuigan expressed positive sentiments about all his fellow campmates, openly stating his preferred winner. He developed a strong friendship with Danny Jones and informed hosts Ant and Dec, “Danny boy will win”. Reflecting on her jungle experience, Love Island reality personality Maura Higgins stated that she discovered a resilience she hadn’t anticipated. “I really did embrace it. I didn’t think I would have embraced it as much as I have,” she commented. She conveyed to Ant and Dec that her greatest anticipation was a “big massive breakfast” and chocolate. Higgins also formed an unexpected bond with Reverend Richard Coles, a celebrity vicar and former musician from The Communards. “I love every single one of them but I want Father Richard to win,” she declared, adding, “He would not expect it.” Danny Jones and Colleen Rooney continue to be considered leading contenders for the win. However, they still face competition from Oti Mabuse, GK Barry, Alan Halsall, and Richard Coles, as these individuals vie for the title of king or queen of the jungle. The 2024 season of I’m A Celebrity is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, December 8, with its final episode broadcasting at 9:00 PM. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.