FORMER football manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly being paid £500,000 to appear on I’m A Celebrity, which would make him the highest paid contestant ever.

The Sandbanks resident will be entering the jungle for the 18th series of the hit ITV show.

He said he won't mind missing meals but will struggle to be without his wife, Sandra.

The 71-year-old said: “That’s the biggest problem I have got. We do everything together. I have been with Sandra for 54 years and I hate being away from her.”

He is 8/1 to be crowned 'King of the Jungle'.

Two other celebrities with a connection to Dorset are part of this year’s line-up.

The Vamps singer, James McVey, who grew up in Wimborne and is a patron of Julia’s House children’s hospice, will also be appearing.

He said: “I am so much more nervous about this than I would be going on stage to perform a gig.”

Former Eastenders star Rita Simons who is starring in Bournemouth panto Sleeping Beauty at the Pavilion Theatre this Christmas has also been confirmed.

Other famous faces who will be joining them include ex-Deal Or No Deal presenter Noel Edmonds, DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, The Chase's Anne Hegerty, Coronation Street star Sair Khan, actor John Barrowman and singer Fleur East.

Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack and Hollyoaks actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer are also lined-up.

I’m A Celebrity starts on Sunday, November 18.