ARLENE Phillips has revealed she said yes to taking part in I’m A Celebrity  in a “moment of madness” – having turned it down ten times before.

The 78-year-old is set to enter the castle this weekend and is now wondering why she agreed to take part.

Discussing her decision to do the show, Arlene revealed: “I have been asked at least ten time before, and I said no. I knew it was going to be in the castle and despite it being cold, it’s close.

“I have done that journey to Australia so many times and gone out to work and found myself with my face in my food. I love Wales so if I had the opportunity and if I was ever doing to say yes, the fact that it is close by was a big plus.”

Asked what other factors swayed her decision, Arlene joked: “I think a moment of madness was probably the biggest factor and also, it’s the weirdest thing, I said no before and not just because I thought I can’t do that and admire the people who do it and push themselves, but also it’s the first time when I have been asked why I actually had time available.

“I have worked probably every single year for the last 20 years through October, November, December.

"It’s the first time I have really thought about it. I want to show my granddaughters that grandma can do anything and also totally a moment of madness, is all I can say.”

Arlene is set to be the oldest campmate ever to take part in the show, but isn’t too worried about the tag.

She explained:  “Obviously I am concerned, everything changes in your body as you get older.

“As far as being the oldest, I have always been the oldest. When I was 36 and my first baby there was shock horror at this geriatric mother having a baby and then my second one at 47. I feel like I have always been the oldest at doing something so it’s nothing new to me.”

I’m A Celebrity starts on Sunday on ITV at 9pm.  

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