Alan Shearer's I'm a Celebrity verdict clear as Arsenal icon Ian Wright talks confirmed

Newcastle United icon and Premier League hero Alan Shearer has ruled out any chance of him entering I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, but has tipped one of his pundit pals as a potential winner.

The popular ITV series is set to make a comeback next week, with a fresh batch of celebs ready to brave the Australian wilderness in the hopes of becoming King or Queen of the Jungle. Sporting legends have often taken the plunge into jungle life, with names like David Haye, Mike Tindall, and Ian Wright previously giving it a go.

This season's line-up is expected to include Coleen Rooney, dancer Oti Mabuse, and boxing promoter Barry McGuigan among others, but Shearer has firmly stated he won't be joining them now or in the future. Speaking to Betfair, he said: "I’m a Celeb is due to start later this month and other than Wrighty, who we know has been in the jungle - and he's told me all about it and how he won't be going back in - there's only Micah Richards of my punditry colleagues I could see in there.

He added: "If it was between him or Martin Keown, it would have to be Micah Richards. He could be the King of the Jungle, and it would sure be entertaining seeing him in there."

Shearer emphatically concluded: "I can't see myself going in there though, absolutely not!" This admission might come as a disappointment to the show's presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, better known as Ant and Dec, both of whom are avid Newcastle fans.

McPartlin was seen cheering from the stands at St James' Park last weekend when Eddie Howe's team secured a 1-0 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.