Alex Scott must adhere to key rule or risk missing out on I'm a Celeb payday

Alex Scott will need to endure 72 hours in the jungle to secure her full I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! fee. The ex-footballer and now presenter is among several high-profile names set to feature in the popular ITV show, which kicks off its 25th series on Sunday.

Joining Scott, 42, are reality star Jack Osbourne, rapper Aitch, and well-known streamer Angry Ginge, in what is shaping up to be a thrilling instalment of the Australia-based programme. As one of the top names among the 10 campmates taking part in the show, it's reasonable to assume that the Arsenal legend is receiving a hefty payment.

However, Scott must adhere to a lesser-known rule of the ITV show or risk losing her fee. According to the Metro reports that celebrities must remain in the jungle for at least 72 hours to earn their wage; otherwise, they run the risk of departing Australia empty-handed.

The Football Focus presenter follows in the footsteps of a long list of football stars who've appeared on the show, including fellow Arsenal icon Ian Wright and former Tottenham and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp.

During an impressive playing career that lasted 12 years, in which she had three separate stints with Arsenal, as well as periods at Birmingham City and Boston Breakers, Scott clinched 22 trophies with the north London club.

She was a cornerstone for England, earning 140 caps during a 13-year international stint before hanging up her boots in 2018 and moving into broadcasting. A familiar face on BBC programming, Scott has fronted The One Show and Goals on Sunday, whilst also presenting the Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony.

Scott isn't the inaugural former Lioness to brave the jungle challenge, as she follows her ex-England teammate Jill Scott, who claimed the crown back in 2022. Reflecting on Scott's Queen of the Jungle triumph, the BBC Sport host confessed it would be utterly shocking if she managed to secure victory.

"I have been retired a lot longer than Jill and in my head, she had that moment and it has been done," she told ITV. "It would take a lot and if I did win, I would burst out crying. I don't think I would even expect it." Following the show's long-standing tradition, the meagre portions of rice and beans will be the campmates' main source of food should they fail to secure stars for proper meals of fish or meat.

Nevertheless, the thought of surviving on rice and beans doesn't faze Scott, given her Jamaican heritage. She disclosed: "I love rice. With my Jamaican background, it's all about the chicken and rice. If I come out of the jungle never wanting to eat rice again, I'm going to be devastated!"