Despite his struggles throughout the trials, I'm A Celebrity's Dean McCullough is a winner in the eyes of his mum.
The Radio 1 DJ, only managed four stars in the Lethal Lab on Thursday night before saying "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!". It was the second time he had uttered those words in three trials and followed getting zero stars in the Drown in the Dumps task with GK Barry.
But his mum Ann, 55, says he is trying his best and thinks Dean would be criticising his trials performance too.
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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Ann said: "The trials have been tough, and he'll be beating himself up over it. He just needs to remember to do his best and have fun. I'm so proud of him. He is so loved and we are all cheering him on."
Ann said that despite his dodgy start, her son could even go all the way on the ITV show. She said: "Dean definitely has got what it takes to be king – and queen – of the jungle."
Ann backed her boy despite a little criticism from hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly over the dismal trial attempts.
Ant had previously shared his frustration, saying: "I got quite annoyed at one point because I am a bit like if you can't do it you can't do it, but just get on with it."
In an Instagram Live video with fans, Dec even claimed there was a "bit of a debate" backstage as to whether Dean's terrified response was genuine. But Ann said her son will be trying his best and sticking to his principles.
She said: "As his mother I gave him special things to remember – how much he is loved, to remember where he's from, to be himself, no cursing and to do his best and have fun. And to do a Myleene Klass in the shower! Words can't describe how proud I am."
She said that after Dean was approached to take part, they went to church to pray he was picked.
She said: "We both manifested and prayed. I saw him in the jungle – in the iconic boots, socks, bandana and hat. Lots of candles were lit. They're still lit."
Despite his apparent dislike of creepy-crawlies, she says that Dean enjoyed the outdoors as a youngster with his younger brother Ben, now 27.
"He loved camping and a caravan trip. And we still go now. Portrush is our go-to."
Ann reckons sociable Dean will bond best with Coleen Rooney and Jane Moore but that he "gets on with everyone".
She added: "He is very caring. If he sees anyone struggling, he'll be the first to put his arm around them."
And although Dean hasn't been the best at securing much-needed food for the camp, there is one thing he is good at...
Ann says: "He is very tidy and will be cleaning the camp and helping people with their washing – he's so helpful."
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! returns tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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