Hollyoaks veteran Nick Pickard confirms future of soap after it went digital as he prepares for launch of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
- READ MORE: Meet the campmates in I’m A Celeb’s most outspoken line-up EVER
Nick Pickard has discussed the future of Hollyoaks, as he enters the jungle for the launch of the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The actor, 48, is the soap’s longest-standing cast member, playing Tony Hutchinson since the first episode, 28 years years ago.
This year Channel 4 took Hollyoaks off air of its main channel and moved to its sister channel E4 in a bid to shake-up the schedule in September.
The broadcaster has dubbed Hollyoaks as the ‘UK’s first streaming-led soap’, by making episodes available to stream the day before they are broadcast on E4 and uploading episodes to YouTube.
Ahead of the launch of I’m A Celebrity, Nick confirmed the soap would be continuing for at least two more years.
Exciting: Nick Pickard has discussed the future of Hollyoaks, as he enters the jungle for the launch of the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Last one: The actor, 48, is the soap’s longest-standing cast member, playing Tony Hutchinson since the first episode, 28 years years ago (pictured with brother John on soap in 2005)
Still going: Ahead of the launch of I’m A Celebrity , Nick confirmed the soap would be continuing for at least two more years after it went digital in September (pictured in 2021)
He said: ‘It’s all about if the money’s still coming in and we’ve been told that we definitely go on until at least the 30th anniversary so that’s as far as I know.’
He added: ‘I’m only contracted year to year anyway. So I’ve always taken each year as it comes and like every there’s a few of us in the cast and every time we get a contract we go out and have a little drink and say it’s another year in the sunshine.’
Nick has also confirmed he will be returning to the soap, saying: ‘This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and as soon as I was approached, I said yes. I am not quitting Hollyoaks to take part. My bosses have been really supportive of me doing it.’
Speaking about his desire to go onto the show, he said he was keen to let the public know the real him after starring on Hollyoaks since he was 18.
Nick admitted: ‘It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.’
He also said he was motivated by his 25-year-old daughter, Ellie, saying: ‘We’ve loved this show for years and I know she has always wanted me to do it.
‘It’s been so hard keeping it a secret and whilst she will be fuming I didn’t tell her, I know she will also be happy. I hope I can make her proud.
‘My girlfriend is excited too, it’s the longest time we will have been apart and that will be tough.’
Motivated: Speaking about his desire to go onto the show, he said he was keen to let the public know the real him after starring on Hollyoaks since he was 18 (pictured in 2018)
The actor is very quiet about his private life but has been in a long-term relationship with Sarah Corrin.
In preparation for the show, he revealed he has cut out alcohol for five weeks and even worked on bulking up as he was nervous for the shower scenes.
Nick said: ‘I’ve always been fit but I’ve never been muscle toned and I’m nearly 50 now so I’m a bit worried about the jungle shower.
‘I didn’t realise that you are in full bloom as well in the waterfall. I was doing a bit of exercise in the gym just now trying to beef up a bit.’
Nick, who owns several restaurants in Sheffield, also confessed his other biggest concern is the lack of food and drink in camp.
He said: ‘It is going to be hard on the food front though. I will be the person saying: “Have you finished?” When we eat, I will hoover any of the leftovers up! Mind you, I don’t think anyone will be leaving anything!
‘But I am determined to embrace everything about this show and I don’t want to come out and people moan about “that Pickard”.’
However, he is not worried about the gruesome trials and instead said he is excited about showing off his competitive side.
Getting ready: In preparation for the show, he revealed he has cut out alcohol for five weeks and even worked on bulking up as he was nervous for the shower scenes (pictured with Alexandra Fletcher in 2019)
One to watch: Nick joins Marvin Humes, Grace Dent, Nigel Farage, Sam Thompson, Nella Rose, Josie Gibson, Fred Sirieix, Danielle Harold and Jamie Lynn Spears in this year’s lineup
Nick said: ‘Now it is getting near to going into camp, I am so excited. I am obviously not looking forward to eating kangaroo balls but at the same time, I am looking forward to the trials – that’s the fun part of doing this show.
‘I love the ones where you climb up or jump for a star. And I like ones getting submerged in water. I can’t wait now! This is so out of my comfort zone and it’s the best show you can do.’
Nick joins JLS star Marvin Humes, broadcaster Grace Dent, former Brexit leader, Nigel Farage, former Made In Chelsea cast member Sam Thompson, and influencer Nella Rose in this year’s cast.
This Morning host Josie Gibson, First Dates host Fred Sirieix, EastEnders star Danielle Harold and singer and actress Jamie Lynn Spears – the younger sister of pop star Britney – are also joining the camp.
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
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
DANIELLE HAROLD
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.
FRED SIRIEIX
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.
NELLA ROSE
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.
NICK PICKARD
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.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
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.
SAM THOMPSON
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!
JOSIE GIBSON
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.
MARVIN HUMES
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.
GRACE DENT
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!
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