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.
Welcome to the Jungle, @hollywills! ❤ #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/H0D5zofrH8
— I'm A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 18, 2018
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.”
I love Holly, but I’m a celeb is just not the same without Ant there to have banter with Dec. #ImACeleb
— Leanne Zoë (@_Leannezoe) November 18, 2018
Another said: “Can’t say im feeling this years I’m a Celeb without Ant being there! Just don’t feel the same #imacelebrity.”
Can’t say im feeling this years I’m a Celeb without Ant being there! Just don’t feel the same #imacelebrity
— Ashley Royston (@AshleyRoyston) November 18, 2018
“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.”
Holly is presenting it like she’s representing this morning. Ant and dec have jokes with each other when it cuts back to them. Holly just stands there and laughs giving nothing back. #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/jZsRjC1Pjd
— Lucy🌛 (@littlebabycloud) November 18, 2018
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.”
So sad watching I’m a celeb and not seeing Ants wee face ☹️☹️☹️
— A (@__abbyreid) November 18, 2018
The only reason I watch I'm a celeb is to hear the patter from Ant & Dec, will be weird without Ant😭👎
— Connor Marshall (@ConnorM1872) November 18, 2018
“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.
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
— LD Anderson (@Loosie77) November 18, 2018
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.”
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 pic.twitter.com/erQPbk5cVm
— katey elizabeth (@kateydoll) November 18, 2018
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!!”
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!! 🙈✋ #ImACeleb # pic.twitter.com/uPyGPGx1R8
— Dean Brown (@DeanoBrown2010) November 18, 2018
One said they were “loving it so far” and that “Holly is a good stand in for Ant”.
Watching I’m a celeb, loving it so far. Holly is a good stand in for Ant ❤️❤️ #imacelebrity #looserscantbechoosers @imacelebrity @antanddec @hollywills
— Jessica Naomi Rivers (@JessicaNaomiRi2) November 18, 2018
Another wrote: “Loving I’m a celeb this year. Dare I say I prefer Holly to Ant.”
Loving I’m a celeb this year. Dare I say I prefer Holly to Ant😶😂 #loserscantbechoosers
— emily✌️ (@emilyhendersonx) November 18, 2018
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.