Actor Craig Charles has revealed a devastating family loss just days before his highly anticipated return to I'm A Celebrity: All Stars in South Africa. The 61-year-old star shared an emotional social media post announcing the passing of his mother-in-law, Anna Fleming.
Heartbreaking Announcement Before Show Return
Craig Charles, best known for his roles in Red Dwarf and Coronation Street, posted a touching tribute to his wife Jackie's mother on Instagram. The post included a sweet photograph of them together along with a heartfelt caption that read: "My mother-in-law Anna Fleming passed away at 8:43 Sunday night. One of the most significant women in my entire life. One of the kindest, wisest and intelligent people I've ever had the pleasure to know, RIP MUM."
Support from Fellow Celebrities
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from his future campmates and fellow celebrities. Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, who will also appear on the All Stars edition, wrote: "So sorry Craig, sending love to all your family." Former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas added: "Much love dude," showing the tight-knit nature of the reality television community.
Second Chance After Previous Jungle Tragedy
This family tragedy comes as Craig prepares for what represents a second chance on the popular ITV reality show. In 2014, Charles was forced to quit the jungle after just four days when he received the devastating news that his brother Dean had died from a heart attack. At the time, he stood a strong chance of being crowned King of the Jungle according to viewers and insiders.
A television insider revealed to The Sun last year: "So many viewers were rooting for Craig to win when he appeared on the show the first time and he stood a good chance of being crowned King of the Jungle. But he was robbed of the experience by the family tragedy, although his campmates and the production team all understood why he wanted to leave and head home to be with his loved ones."
Historic Return to the Jungle
This marks the first time in the show's history that ITV has brought back a contestant who had to leave due to such tragic circumstances. The All Stars edition, set to premiere on 6 April, features an impressive lineup including soap legend Beverley Callard, Olympic champion Mo Farah, former King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp, and former Queen of the Jungle Scarlett Moffatt.
The cast also includes reality television personality Gemma Collins, who is hoping for redemption after quitting her previous stint on the show. All contestants were recently photographed together in their signature I'm A Celebrity khakis and red tops against the backdrop of the South African wilderness.
Anticipation Builds for All Stars Edition
While promotional photos show the contestants smiling happily, a recent teaser trailer suggests dramatic events ahead. Hosts Ant and Dec appeared terrified in a ten-second preview first aired during Britain's Got Talent on 21 February. The clip shows the presenting duo sitting around a campfire when Ant becomes alarmed by a mysterious noise.
"What was that?" Ant asks nervously before Dec identifies it as a "big cat." An instantly terrified Ant jolts up, exclaiming: "A big cat?! No way!" before Dec follows him in apparent panic. This teaser hints at the challenging conditions and unexpected wildlife encounters awaiting the celebrity contestants in the South African wilderness.
The emotional timing of Craig Charles's personal loss adds a poignant layer to his return to the reality television franchise that has previously been marked by family tragedy for the actor. As he prepares to face new challenges in the jungle, he does so while mourning the loss of a woman he described as one of the most significant people in his life.
