Noel Edmonds: I'm a Celeb will get me away from Lloyds fight

The TV and radio star, who entered the jungle on Thursday evening, said the reality show is a chance to get a break from some of the stresses in his life.

“I’m actually really looking forward to having a digital detox,” Edmonds, 69, told Radio Plymouth.

“By that I mean I can’t be on the phone, I won’t get any texts, I can’t get any emails so I’m going to get a break from some of the other stresses, including, of course, my fight with Lloyds Bank which takes up almost every waking hour.

“I can have a little break from that because it’s now a matter with the lawyers, and the lawyers can just get on with it – so that’s why I’m in the jungle.”

The former Deal or No Deal presenter has been seeking compensation of up to £60m over a scam a decade ago involving staff at the Reading branch of HBOS, which was then bought by Lloyds.

Lloyds disputes his claim the fraud caused his business to collapse.

In March, he said he had tried to take his own life the year before over the issue.

The presenter also said he has been asked to do I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! every year but “it’s not felt right, but it does now…it’s a big compliment to be on it”.

He surprisingly said he is most looking forward to the food – despite contestants having to eat bugs and basic meals.

Referring to his wife, makeup artist Liz Davies, he said: “Eating ghastly things is not quite so bad because Liz is actually the world’s worst cook.

“So, I think the jungle could actually be a gourmet feast for me.”

But he will have an issue with bugs, heights and the lack of cleanliness, saying he is “Mr Neat” and is “hopeless with spiders”.