I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2021 | Interview with Matty Lee (Olympic Gold Medallist)

Phobias: I don’t like rats.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the Castle: People always see me as very composed and serious on the diving board. This will be a nice opportunity to let people get to know me better.

Role in the camp: I don’t mind helping out with cleaning.

Miss most: My bed!

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran and Will Smith.

After winning Gold with Tom Daley in the 10 metres synchronised diving at the Tokyo Olympics this summer, Matty Lee admits it is the ‘cherry on the cake’ to be taking part in his favourite TV show.

And the 23-year-old reveals his diving partner, Tom, has been giving him plenty of tips on how to survive in the Welsh Castle.

Revealing he was approached about I’m A Celebrity moments after landing in the UK from the Tokyo Games, Matty says: “Nothing ever prepares you for what life will be like after you do well in the Olympics. I was and still am mainly in shock that I am doing I’m A Celebrity. My two childhood dreams were to win an Olympic medal and take part in my favourite TV series. And now I am doing both this year!

“My family is buzzing about it all. We were on the way back from the airport where they had picked me up from Tokyo when I got a call about the programme.

“When I told Tom, he was in shock too! He is so excited for me and he has always been so supportive and helped me a lot over the past three years. He gives me advice about anything whether it is relationships or whatever – I always ask Tom.”

Matty goes on to add that Tom is particularly excited the public will get a chance to get to know him properly.

“Everyone knows who Tom Daley is but people don’t necessarily know who I am,” he explains. “But without each other, we would never have achieved what we have achieved. He always gives me credit where it is due and I also do too. He is really happy for me to grow as an individual and I think it is a chance for people to get to know me better.

“I watched our Olympic final again the other day and I realised I look a bit angry but that’s just me being in the zone! I am not like that at all in real life!”

Happy to put his pre-season training on hold to take part in I’m A Celebrity, Matty says it will be very different doing the programme compared to the Tokyo Olympics – but just as tough because nothing can prepare him for what lies ahead. “I trained for the Olympics and knew what to expect,” Matty adds. “I haven’t eaten animal do da before and so it is going to be tough! I am excited for it all though and doing this programme really is the cherry on the cake.”

“I am really looking forward to the Trials and also, to be around different people will be fun too. I am used to just being around athletes. I think I will definitely freak out at rats and I know I will scream. Heights won’t be an issue though! I am obviously used to diving off 10 metre boards!”

Readily admitting he will miss his home comforts like his bed, Matty says he wants to embrace the whole experience. “I’ve never met Ant and Dec before and so I am excited to meet them too.”

And will he be taking any of Tom’s famous knitwear into the Castle for the rest of his celebrity campmates? Laughing, he replies: “I will take them all a hat!”