I’m A Celebrity viewers say show not the same without Ant McPartlin

Holly Willoughby received mixed reviews from fans as she made her debut on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as many viewers said they missed Ant McPartlin.

McPartlin has hosted the ITV jungle-based series alongside Declan Donnelly since it began in 2002, and the pair are known for their witty banter and for laughing uncontrollably as the stars tackle challenges.

This Morning host Willoughby is filling in for McPartlin in Australia as he continues his break away from his TV commitments following a drink-driving conviction.

However, while many viewers were thrilled to see Willoughby – who chuckled alongside Donnelly as he continued to crack jokes – some were saddened not to see McPartlin.

One viewer wrote on Twitter: “I love Holly, but I’m a celeb is just not the same without Ant there to have banter with Dec. #ImACeleb.”

Another said: “Can’t say im feeling this years I’m a Celeb without Ant being there! Just don’t feel the same #imacelebrity.”

“Holly is presenting it like she’s representing this morning,” one wrote.

“Ant and dec have jokes with each other when it cuts back to them. Holly just stands there and laughs giving nothing back. #ImACeleb.”

One viewer said they were “so sad watching I’m a celeb and not seeing Ants wee face”, and another said: “The only reason I watch I’m a celeb is to hear the patter from Ant & Dec, will be weird without Ant.”

“Already wishing Ant was presenting, Dec is having to do all the jokes while Holly just does the giggling thing. This is going to get old really quickly #imacelebrity,” one less than amused fan said.

However, a number of I’m A Celebrity fans leapt to Willoughby’s defence.

One said: “Can everyone give poor Holly a break Jesus Christ, of course she’s a bit awkward this first episode it’s a HUGE task to do the launch show on something she knew she would be judged for.

“Jokes will come but let her get in the swing first! Ffs #ImACeleb.”

Another pointed out: “All these people complaining that after 30 minutes of TV, Holly doesn’t have the same chemistry as a couple of guys who have been best mates for about 30 years!!”

One said they were “loving it so far” and that “Holly is a good stand in for Ant”.

Another wrote: “Loving I’m a celeb this year. Dare I say I prefer Holly to Ant.”

Earlier in the day, McPartlin had wished Willoughby good luck before taking on her new TV job.

He tweeted: “All the very best of luck to the little fella and @hollywills for the show tonight.

“Lots of love from the big fella!! A #ImACeleb Xxxxxx.”

I’m A Celebrity stars the likes of football boss Harry Redknapp, DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, The Chase’s Anne Hegerty, ex-EastEnders actress Rita Simons and The Vamps star James McVey.

I’m A Celebrity continues on ITV.