Joe Swash claims I’m A Celeb restored his self-belief after EastEnders axe left him feeling lost
‘It all comes from the jungle’: Joe Swash claims I’m A Celeb regained his confidence after EastEnders ax left him feeling lost…
Joe Swash has credited reality TV with restoring his confidence after feeling ‘lost’ following his departure from the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
The actor and host spent five years on Albert Square as affable spiv Mickey Miller, but the character was eventually dropped in 2008, leaving Swash at a loose end.
And he admits that he later appeared in the eighth series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! — which he would go on to win — gave him a newfound sense of purpose.
Appearing on Wednesday’s edition of Loose Women, Swash, 41, revealed his success on the show – after which he quickly established himself as a TV mainstay – and also served as a catalyst for his recent appearance in the all-star I’m A Celebrity. .. South Africa.
He said, ‘It was one of those things. I thought that chapter was closed and then they asked me about the spin-off show and South Africa.
Grateful: Joe Swash has credited reality TV for restoring his confidence after feeling ‘lost’ following his departure from BBC soap EastEnders
Old times: The actor and presenter spent five years on Albert Square as affable spiv Mickey Miller, but the character was eventually dropped in 2008 – leaving Swash at a loose end
Tears: Swash admits he was ’emotional’ during his second stint on I’m A Celeb because he missed his family
“When I think of the jungle, I think of man. When I left EastEnders I was a little bit lost and that gave me so much confidence. It all comes from the jungle.’
The Cockney star admitted it was fiancee Stacey Solomon who urged him to take part in the South African series because “she knew how much” it meant to him.
But her blessing didn’t stop father-of-four Swash from breaking down in front of campmates as he discussed his family, an emotional display that mirrored his first appearance on the show.
“I was a little gutted that I was so emotional,” he explained. “The first time I was in it much longer. It was a big deal to leave her.
‘The first time I only had my eldest son Harry and I only saw him on weekends. I missed them so much and I was starving with hunger, we had no food there. I was more emotional.’
Success: Swash won the eighth series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2008
Don’t mind me: the actor and presenter admits that he let his emotions get the better of him during his participation in the South African spin-off
True love: Swash says fiancé Stacey Solomon urged him to join the South African series because ‘she knew how much’ it meant to him
Having been reunited with his family after pre-shooting the spin-off last October, Swash now plans to reciprocate Solomon’s declaration of love by getting her name tattooed on her body.
He said, ‘You know how Stacey is, she wants one on my forehead or something. I was so touched by it.’
The actor also admits they will consider trying for another baby after welcoming daughter Rose, their third child together, last year.
“There’s not a lot of one-on-one time right now, but it’s all part of having a young family,” he added. “But we’re so lucky. We’ll have to give it another year or so.’
At the time of filming I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, Solomon was still pregnant with their youngest daughter Belle, now three months old.
The pair also share Rose, 16 months, and Rex, two.
Swash is stepfather to Solomon’s sons Zach, 15, and Leighton, nine, from previous relationships and he has a son Harry, 15, with his ex, Emma Sophocleous.