We can announce that Corrie star Antony Cotton is one of the contestants on ITV1 show 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'.
The actor, who plays Sean Tully, has flown to Australia to appear on the ITV1 reality show based in the jungle.
He is one of 10 celebrities who will learn to live in a camp and take part in the famous 'Bushtucker Trials'.
Antony has undergone therapy and hypnotherapy sessions to help him conquer his fears in the jungle.
The 36-year-old star admitted: “I have a morbid fear of flying. I don’t like heights and I am claustrophobic. I have had hypnotherapy and I have also been to therapy to face my fears. The therapy was amazing even though in the days leading up to going in the jungle, I did have moments where I wondered why on earth I had said yes! But life is to live and so I think why not do it. Doing this show is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am hoping it will make me face up to my fears.”
Antony was keen to stress that his decision to take part in I’m A Celebrity definitely does not mean he is quitting his role as Sean in Coronation Street. “Absolutely not,” he said. “Coronation Street is very special and I love being in the soap. I would never have done this without the blessing of Corrie. They have allowed this to happen."
He said the fact that he is so used to working with TV cameras would hopefully help him in the jungle. “I am probably more used to it than anyone. That side of things will be fine. I have no idea what it will be like, however, being me, Antony, rather than my soap character, Sean. I am a very private person and I never talk about my private life in public.”
Aside from missing the final scene and leaving do of his close pal Katherine Kelly (Becky), Antony says he is praying he will also not miss a meeting to discuss how the soap will bade farewell to Betty Driver (Betty Williams) who sadly died in October. He said: “Katherine is filming her last scene and then having her leaving do. I am sad I won’t be there for that. They are also going to plan a send-off for Betty. I am keeping everything crossed I will be there for that.”
As for what he will miss the most when he is in the jungle, Antony confessed he will find leaving his home and creature comforts behind tough.