Shock Exit: Rugby Star Pulls Out of I'm A Celebrity Last Minute

Saturday, 06 December 2025 at 21:05

byRugby Rucker

Former England rugby star Danny Cipriani dramatically pulled out of
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2023 — just days before filming was due to begin — after splitting from his wife.

But rather than fade from view, Cipriani has since re‑emerged on screen and in the public eye, with a blossoming romance making headlines.

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? Last‑minute exit from I’m A Celebrity

In November 2023, Cipriani announced that he and his wife, Victoria Rose Cipriani, had separated. Almost immediately afterwards, he withdrew from the upcoming series of I’m A Celebrity, despite being lined up to join the cast — reportedly alongside big names such as former politician Nigel Farage.

At the time, insiders said he had been considered one of the “most exciting signings,” with his past public persona and sense of humour expected to draw attention. But with his marriage unraveling, Cipriani stepped away, prioritising his personal life.

? From dancefloor to jungle: Netflix beckons

Rather than vanish from TV entirely, Cipriani’s next move was a festive appearance on the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with professional dancer Jowita Przystal.

In early 2025, he starred in the Netflix reality‑competition series Celebrity Bear Hunt, a jungle-based “hunt” thriller presented by Holly Willoughby and survival expert Bear Grylls.

Although it marked a bold return to the limelight, Cipriani later said he has no plans to continue with reality TV, feeling “privileged” to have taken part but ready to explore other opportunities.

❤️ Romance rekindled

Not long after his split from Victoria, Cipriani began dating American actress AnnaLynne McCord. The pair had known each other previously and rekindled their romance in 2025.

Insiders say the couple now look very happy together, often spotted enjoying holidays, events, and public appearances as a united pair. Cipriani has described McCord as his “spiritual partner,” and the relationship appears stronger than ever.

What’s next for Cipriani?

From planned jungle entry to dancefloor twirls — and then a Netflix survival show — Danny Cipriani’s pivot from the rugby pitch has been anything but dull. With a thriving personal life and new projects on the horizon, he seems determined to embrace this next chapter fully.

JONNY WILKINSON'S TOUGHEST OPPONENTS:

The legendary fly-half, who collected 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, went head-to-head with some of the most formidable talents ever to grace a rugby field.

#5. Christophe Dominici – France’s fearless flair

Dominici lit up the international stage with 67 caps for France, showcasing his flair and unpredictability. At club level, he won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008.

WILKINSON SAID:
"His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW?
Dominici featured in three World Cups—1999, 2003, and 2007—scoring eight tries across the tournaments.

#4. Brian O'Driscoll – Ireland’s magic maestro

O’Driscoll is a Six Nations legend, holding the record for most tries (26) and being named Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007, and 2009. He led Ireland to a Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns during his illustrious career.

WILKINSON SAID:
"The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW?
O’Driscoll is Ireland’s all-time leading try scorer and captained his country more than anyone else in history.

#3. Bakkies Botha – The enforcer of the Springboks

Known for his ferocity on the pitch, Botha was a player every team wanted in their ranks. Revered globally, he’s frequently named in ‘greatest-ever’ teams.

WILKINSON SAID:
"Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth... at times he’s exactly what a team needs."

DID YOU KNOW?
French coach Bernard Laporte once called Botha the greatest player he ever coached.

#2. Richie McCaw – The relentless record-breaker

McCaw redefined consistency, leading the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015. A true leader and relentless competitor, he broke record after record during his legendary career.

WILKINSON SAID:
"A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW?
McCaw captained New Zealand to two World Cup triumphs, cementing his legacy as one of rugby’s all-time greats.

#1. Jonah Lomu – The original game-changer

Lomu was a trailblazer who changed the game forever. Known for his power and speed, he left an indelible mark on rugby. The global outpouring of grief after his death in 2015 showcased the profound impact he had on the sport.

WILKINSON SAID:
"One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW?
Lomu scored seven tries in the 1995 World Cup and added eight more in 1999, cementing his place as one of rugby’s greatest-ever players.