Nigel Farage has said ‘never say never’ to running for Prime Minister in the future as he refused to rule out a bid for the top government job.
The former UKIP leader, 59, was quizzed on whether he would ever consider the role during a conversation on Wednesday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity.
Nigel, who last night branded former PM Boris Johnson ‘the most chaotic person he has ever met’, said the strongest leaders were Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.
His campamate Sam Thompson questioned him camp, asking: ‘Who is your favourite Prime Minister ever in your lifetime?’
Nigel said: ‘Really, in my lifetime, two Prime Ministers who’ve been really strong, who’ve changed the country: one’s Thatcher and one’s Blair.
Discussion: Nigel Farage has said ‘never say never’ to running for Prime Minister in the future as he refused to rule out a bid for the top government job
Opinions: Nigel, who last night branded former PM Boris Johnson (pictured) ‘the most chaotic person he has ever met’, said the strongest leaders were Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair
‘I didn’t like the way Blair changed the country at all but I have to admit he was a strong leader. Margaret was a very strong leader. They were tough times, but she changed the country completely.’
Danielle Harold asked Nigel: ‘Would you ever want to run?’
Nigel replied: ‘I don’t know. We’ll see. Depends how much of a mess the country gets in. I honestly don’t know. It’s not an easy job.’
Following his comments, fans speculated that Nigel had entered the jungle in a bid to win the favour of a wider audience ahead of a political comeback.
One person said: ‘Idc this seems liek a way for Nigel to get a wider audience and people on his [side] then potentially run for prime minister.’
Another noted: ‘Nigel Farage doesn’t rule out running to be Prime Minister after the next election. “I don’t know, we’ll see… never say never.”
Another quipped: ‘I could smell those Prime Minister answers from a mile away Nigel.’
Sharing a meme of Mr Bean winking, another said: ‘Nigel Farage after saying “depends how bad the country gets” when asked about being prime minister.’
His campamate Sam Thompson questioned him camp, asking: ‘Who is your favourite Prime Minister ever in your lifetime?’
Nigel said: ‘Really, in my lifetime, two Prime Ministers who’ve been really strong, who’ve changed the country: one’s Thatcher and one’s Blair’
Reaction: Following his comments, fans speculated that Nigel had entered the jungle in a bid to win the favour of a wider audience ahead of a political comeback
While some guessed at Nigel’s political ambitions, others admitted they wouldn’t welcome the politician as the country’s leader.
One joked: ‘Nigel threatening to be prime minister is scarier than all those challenges combined.’
Another said: ‘I don’t want to exaggerate but if Nigel was prime minister I’d be on the first flight off the island.’
Nigel came to blows with Fred Sirieix during a heated debate about Brexit during Monday’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Nigel was the leader of the UK Independence Party from 2006 to 2009 and 2010 to 2016, and leader of the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2021, with a referendum on Brexit being held in 2016.
His previous work in politics prompted questions from his fellow campmates while sat in the jungle camp during Monday’s episode, with many of his fellow celebrities disagreeing with his views on the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Around camp, This Morning host Josie Gibson asked Nigel what former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who worked on completing Brexit after the referendum, was like, saying: ‘What’s he like on a personal level?’
Former EastEnders actress Danielle added: ‘Forget politics, as a guy.’
Heated discussion: Nigel (pictured) came to blows with Fred Sirieix during a heated debate about Brexit during Monday’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Disagreement: Nigel’s previous work in politics prompted questions from his fellow campmates while sat in the jungle camp during Monday’s episode (Fred pictured)
Nigel replied: ‘Entertaining… in small doses. [He’s] surprisingly introverted. You see this big act, fluffing the hair… surprising.’
Josie asked: ‘Is he quite a fumbler in real life, or is that just on the stage?’
Nigel continued: ‘I think he’s one of the most disorganised human beings that possibly ever lived. The whole thing’s bloody chaos. Shambles.’
In the Bush Telegraph, Danielle said: ‘I found it so interesting to listen, sat with him picking his brains, having a chat. Then it got a little bit heated.’
Fred asked Nigel: ‘What’s the benefit of Brexit then? If you are an average person from Britain, what’s the benefit?’
Nigel said: ‘To know that we’re independent, we stand on our own two feet in the world.’
Fred said: ‘Brexit was about immigration, I remember your poster. I thought it was shameful what you did Nigel. Shameful.’
Nigel replied: ‘Sadly, sadly it was absolutely true. It was a poster showing mass young men moving illegally across borders.’
Curious: Around camp, This Morning host Josie Gibson asked Nigel what former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who worked on completing Brexit after the referendum, was like
No holding back: Nigel said of Boris Johnson: ‘I think he’s one of the most disorganised human beings that possibly ever lived. The whole thing’s bloody chaos. Shambles.’ (Boris pictured last year)
Fred said: ‘But it was about demonising migrants.’
Nigel replied: ‘No it wasn’t. In your view it was, but it wasn’t.’
To which Fred said: ‘It’s not only just my view.’
In the Bush Telegraph, Nigel said: ‘I knew it wouldn’t take long, I knew politics would rear its head as indeed it did. And Fred feels very strongly about it.’
Having moved away to wash up, MasterChef star Grace Dent said to actor Nick Pickard: ‘Brexit was his entire idea. It’s his specialist subject. Fred’s not going to change his mind on anything.’
In the Bush Telegraph, Grace added: ‘I would 100% rather wash up than listen to another single word about Brexit. I was just like, “Oh my god, I’m going to go and put my head in that stream”.’
Nigel also said: ‘Brexit is about one thing and one thing only; being self-governing. We’re in charge. We can get it right, we can make an absolute mess of it but we’re in charge and the people who make those decisions we can hire and fire at elections where they have real power.’
Fred said: ‘I think the average person in the UK has lost out because of what you’ve done.’
Nigel said: ‘They haven’t lost out.’
In the Bush Telegraph, Fred added: ‘Look, Nigel Farage is in the jungle with me. We’re bound to have this conversation. At the end of the day nothing is going to change, Nigel believes what he believes, I believe what I believe. It was only a matter of time.’
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.