McFly star Danny Jones claims victory in the 2024 I’m A Celebrity competition, with Coleen Rooney finishing second and reverend Richard Coles in third.

In a thrilling conclusion to this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Danny Jones, the lead singer of pop-rock band McFly, was crowned the winner of the 2024 series. The final, broadcast live on Sunday night, saw Jones triumph in a tense public vote, securing the top spot ahead of runner-up Coleen Rooney and third-place finisher Reverend Richard Coles. The victory marked an emotional moment for the 38-year-old, who fought through tough trials and personal challenges throughout the series.

“I gave my all in there,” Jones told the audience, visibly emotional as he accepted the crown. “It’s a lovely feeling to be liked.” The pop star’s win was not just a moment of personal achievement; it also represented a full-circle moment for him, following his recent success on The Masked Singer. Jones’s raw sincerity and good-natured humour shone through during his time in the jungle, winning over both his fellow contestants and viewers at home.

The finale aired after an unforgettable series, which featured various celebrity contestants braving harsh conditions in the Australian jungle. The celebrities were tasked with a number of challenges, from dealing with creepy crawlies to facing the infamous Bushtucker trials. But it wasn’t just the trials that kept the audience engaged—it was the bonds and friendships that developed between the stars, making the final even more poignant.

While Jones emerged victorious, it was clear that the competition had become a source of pride for all involved. “Knowing that I’ve made it to the final makes me proud,” said Coleen Rooney in her exit interview, acknowledging the intensity of the journey. The wife of football legend Wayne Rooney had been a fan favourite throughout the show, earning praise for her candidness and resilience.

For Reverend Richard Coles, the journey proved to be just as rewarding, despite finishing in third place. In his exit interview, Coles admitted that the experience was harder than he expected but noted that the camaraderie with his fellow campmates had made the challenges more manageable. “The best thing was everybody else,” he said. “We had such a good time.”

Jones’s win was the culmination of weeks of hard work, challenges, and emotional highs and lows. He reflected on the tough moments and how his campmates made it easier to endure the hardships. “I’ve had some of the hardest times I’ve ever had, and some of the highest of highs,” he told Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly during the live broadcast. His victory comes as no surprise, given how his infectious energy and genuine nature had made him a standout personality in the camp.

The final episode featured a tense Bushtucker trial, where the remaining contestants battled to win a coveted three-course meal for their last night in camp. As always, the trials pushed the stars to their limits, but they also provided moments of comic relief and heartwarming camaraderie. The remaining celebrities worked together to get through the challenge, demonstrating the bond they had formed over their time in the jungle.

Jones’s time on the show had not been without its share of highs and lows. The McFly singer faced his fears and endured several daunting tasks, proving his resilience and determination to push through. However, it was his kindness and good humour that made him a favourite with viewers, and his emotional acceptance speech at the end of the show was a reflection of the meaningful experience he had shared with his fellow contestants.

The 2024 series also saw other notable moments, including the surprising exit of Tulisa Contostavlos, the N-Dubz singer and former X Factor judge, who left the jungle after expressing that she felt “overwhelmed” by the attention. Her departure from the camp sent shockwaves through the viewing audience, especially as she had been a strong contender throughout. Her decision to take a break for her mental health highlighted the pressures that come with participating in such an intense reality show.

Barry McGuigan, the former professional boxer, also made his exit in a double elimination, alongside Maura Higgins. McGuigan, who had shared emotional stories about his personal life, left the camp with a heavy heart, while Higgins expressed a sense of relief, revealing that she had felt it was her time to go.

The series was not without its controversial moments either. Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough, who was often at the centre of camp tensions, faced accusations of not pulling his weight in certain tasks. Nevertheless, he endured the challenges and eventually left the jungle after completing seven trials.

Despite these ups and downs, the I’m A Celebrity finale ultimately reflected the spirit of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth that has made the show a hit for over two decades. Jones, who had braved it all and come out on top, was the perfect embodiment of the show’s ethos: enduring the toughest trials, both in the jungle and emotionally, to emerge stronger.