I’m A Celebrity 2020: Tess Daly ‘can’t wait’ to speak to husband Vernon Kay as he comes third

He came in third place during I’m A Celebrity‘s live finale on Friday, narrowly missing out on being crowned the King of the Castle.

And as Vernon Kay‘s departure was announced, his wife Tess Daly revealed that she ‘can’t wait’ to speak to her husband. 

Upon his exit, the presenter, 46, admitted he’s achieved his goal of ‘making his girls’ proud, and insisted third place exceeded his expectations.

Vernon was the first to leave the camp during Friday’s final – which is taking place in Gwrych Castle in North Wales for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic – leaving Jordan North and Giovanna Fletcher in contention for the crown. 

His wife Tess, 51, gushed over the announcement as she shared a screengrab to Instagram from the last FaceTime conversation they had before he went into camp three weeks ago and pined for their next chat.

Speaking after his exit, Vernon told show hosts Ant and Dec: ‘[I’m] ecstatic. I’m over the moon to be in third place. It’s been an awesome camp, and [ecstatic] is the best word to describe it. It’s been well and truly awesome.’

Asked if he feels like he’s achieved his goal of making his wife and daughters Phoebe and Amber proud, the TV star admitted: ‘Yeh I really do. I think, third place for me is more than my expectations. 

‘It’s been phenomenal. It really has. I genuinely I think I’m going to take stuff out of that camp and really use it for the rest of my life.’ 

The Family Fortunes host admitted he was surprised to have made it all the way to the final, especially after the shock departure of Shane Richie on Thursday.  

When asked if he was surprised by his place, he said: ‘Yeah, I am actually. There were some real strong characters in there.

‘As we saw last night, that was a real shock that Shane left. That’s why I was like, “No way!”, it was a real shock.

‘He’d been that guy who propped up the morale in camp, he’d always been there with a joke, and all that means something when you’re in there.

‘We’ve had a lot of dips, and to be lifted up by him playing that role has been brilliant.’

Venon added: ‘We said today this is it this is the show, big tick, completed it, I’ve done every day!’ 

Offering advice to other celebrities yet to take part, he said: ‘It was everything and more it really was everything and more, and I think if anyone gets asked to do it in the future don’t even hesitate!’ 

Once out of the running, Vernon confessed he would love to see BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan crowned King of the Castle. 

He revealed: ‘They’ve both played real significant individual roles, they really have. Gi’s been there for everyone, but for the journey, for what he was and now what he is, Jordan [should win].’

After it was revealed he had come in third, Vernon hugged his competitors and said: ‘Well done you two, I’ve had the best time, you’ve been awesome.’ 

After Shane Richie’s departure on Thursday, the trio were in shock as they said goodbye to the EastEnders star.

Vernon said he was in ‘complete and utter shock’ with the result, and added: ‘He’s been a top bloke. It means the world for me that I’m in the final. I’m flabbergasted.

Growing teary-eyed, he told his wife Tess Daly and their daughters Phoebe and Amber: ‘Tess I love you baby, forever and ever, and girls I hope I made you proud.’