Were you watching?
There’s been a lot of hype around this season of I’m A Celebrity and for once, it’s not down to those entering the camp.
Yes, Ant McPartlin’s departure from this series left a space open next to longtime partner Dec Donnelly.
And while many viewers were nervous about who ITV would choose to step in, those fears seemed to be calmed when it was announced that Holly Willoughby would be heading down under for this year’s show.
Well, last night was premiere night and all eyes were on Holly and Dec to see how the duo would live up to previous seasons.
Public opinion seemed to be fairly split – one half praising Holly for stepping into Ant’s shoes and making it her own, and others criticising the star for being ‘stiff’.
Nah. Holly is just a script reader, got no personality to do this #ImACeleb
— Mr Ree ッ (@Mr_Ree_) November 18, 2018
How does holly get so much tv work ? Wooden as fuck ! #ImACeleb
— Kev Cressey (@kevincressey) November 18, 2018
#imaceleb the moment when you know Scarlett Moffat would have giggled and replaced ant so well we would have not noticed the difference. Love holly but you can’t beat northern wit xx
— julia (@juliashillito) November 18, 2018
Holly just stands there laughing at Dec. She has no comebacks or anything #imaceleb
— Holly (@rosepetaltears7) November 18, 2018
holly’s sense of humour is so fucking dry get Ant McPartlin back on my screen rn!! #imaceleb
— Jodie McGann (@McgannJodie) November 18, 2018
the only part of Holly Willoughby that’s funny is the uncomfortable laughter at Dec as she tries and fails to think of something funny to say #ImACeleb
— Tia (@tia_aka_chuck) November 18, 2018
Holly Willoughby seems fairly awkward atm imo. Seems like Dec is carrying the banter and Holly is presenting like she is still on This Morning. Hoping she improves. #ImACeleb
— Harrison Mitchell (@harrison1871rfc) November 18, 2018
Holly Willoughby is doing such a good job so far presenting. I think people are forgetting she’s there to replace Ant as a presenter while he recovers, she’s not there to try act like Ant. Give her a break #ImACeleb
— ?????? (@mindmarais) November 18, 2018
To the people who are cracking over Holly & Dec. it’s the first show. She was chosen by Dec whilst Ant is recovering. They’re doing a great job, give it a chance. People are going to say negative things anyways. But I think it’s going to be a brilliant season. #ImACeleb
— Nicole (@NicoleDuggan_) November 18, 2018
Sick of seeing tweets about Holly doing a bad job or whatever, she’s not there to ‘replace’ Ant, just simply filling his boots whilst he deals with a crippling mental illness, give the gal a break ?? #ImACeleb
— Rubes??♀️ (@x_rubes) November 19, 2018
Considering Holly is replacing Ant in probably the most iconic tv duo ever, she’s absolutely smashed it, no negativity from me #ImACeleb
— Oli (@oli7242) November 18, 2018
#ImACeleb is back, my all time favourite show! And Holly is amazing already! I am missing Ant though..
— ????? ??????? / NEW ACCOUNT (@WhitingBecca) November 18, 2018
I thought @hollywills was bloody brilliant tonight on #Imaceleb.
Filling in for Ant in such an iconic duo is an instant mountain to climb, but Holly was the perfect replacement. Chuffed for ‘em. Well done @ITV— JaackMaate (@Jaack) November 18, 2018
Yep, it’s a fairly mixed bunch but having watched the first episode, we have to admit, it just didn’t quite hit the mark.
Holly was visibly nervous throughout the show and seemed to feel comfortable letting Dec lead the way.
However, in her defence, Dec has been hosting the show for 15 years, so it’s practically muscle memory for him now – we’d happily follow his lead.
Here’s hoping Holly gets into the swing of things tonight.