Reality TV champion Angry Ginge is set for a dramatic career shift, swapping jungle trials for the glamour of one of music's biggest nights. The 24-year-old YouTuber, crowned King of the Jungle in last year's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, has landed a prestigious presenting role at the upcoming BRIT Awards.
From Bush Tucker to BRITs Glory
Ginge, whose real name is Sam, will take to the stage at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on February 28 to present an award during the live ceremony. In a dream scenario for the star, who confessed to being a secret Taylor Swift fan during his jungle stint, he could be the one to hand a trophy to the global pop icon.
Swift is widely tipped for a nomination in the Best International Artist category. Should she win, organisers are reportedly considering having the local lad, a self-professed 'Swiftie', present her with the award. This move capitalises on Ginge's record-breaking fanbase, which propelled him to victory on ITV's hit show last month.
A Homecoming for the King of the Jungle
The booking is a coup for the awards show, which is relocating to Manchester for the first time in its near 50-year history. Ginge has strong local ties, having grown up in Eccles, Salford, and is a known Manchester United supporter. ITV, which broadcasts both I'm A Celebrity and the BRITs, is keen to continue its successful relationship with the popular winner.
A show source revealed the excitement behind the scenes: "Organisers jumped at the chance to sign up Ginge who is a proud local lad, and who obviously went down a storm in the jungle. The show is also on ITV and the execs there love him following his heroics Down Under, and they really want to continue working with him."
The source added: "Ginge brings with him a huge audience, which awards bosses love and so they jumped at the chance for Ginge to present an award. The place will go mad when he walks out."
A Star-Studded Night in Manchester
The ceremony will be hosted for a sixth time by comedian Jack Whitehall, who also has Manchester connections from his university days. Whitehall has expressed his delight at hosting in the city, calling it a "full circle moment".
Ginge's new role comes hot on the heels of his continued public appearances supporting friends, including cheering on darts star Luke Littler at the PDC World Championship finals in London recently. His transition from YouTube and reality TV to mainstream entertainment events signals a significant step in his burgeoning showbiz career.
