I’M A Celebrity star Vernon Kay yesterday tipped winner Giovanna Fletcher to become Britain’s answer to legendary US talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
TV presenter Vernon, 46, said the first Queen of the Castle has a similar ability to listen before sharing her wisdom.
He said: “We had a good chat last night and I said that it takes a strong person to sit and just listen, and not comment.
“When you talk to Giovanna about anything emotional, anything personal, she’s such a strong woman that she sits and listens.
“She doesn’t butt in, she lets you reel off what you’re feeling. When she knows you’re finished, then she comes back with a comment.”
Mum-of-three Giovanna, 35, is a podcaster, author and presenter married to McFly star Tom Fletcher.
Vernon went on: “She’s an amazing lady. I think it’s because her and Tom are such a tight unit — it goes to the strength she’s got in her family, that she’s become that person.”
Asked if she could emulate Oprah, once ranked the most influential woman in the world, he added: “I’m going to go on the record and say to you she would be perfect for that role because she’s so bright and intelligent.
“She’s a well-deserved winner. I said to her that the best thing about her journey was that she was the only woman remaining with four blokes and she went on to win. That’s awesome.”
Vernon finished third behind Giovanna and Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, 30.
Late last night he was reunited with his wife, Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, 51, and their two daughters Phoebe, 16, and Amber, 11.
Vernon told how his family had “jumped through the roof” when it was announced he had made the final three.
He said: “Oh, Tess was so proud. She was with Phoebe. Amber had gone to bed, and Phoebe told me everything that had gone on in camp.
“They were glued to the TV. Tess said all three of them jumped through the roof when I got to the final.
“That conversation is a conversation I will never forget because it just reassured me that the reasons why I went in there — for the girls and to make them proud — it reassured me that I had done that.”
Vernon has not seen Tess since October due to a fortnight’s quarantine in North Wales, ahead of entering the castle.
But he said: “Tess was just elated for me. I’ve seen what she’s done on social media and she’s worked her socks off for me — it’s amazing.
“We’re going to be reunited after Strictly. I’ll get home and see the girls first, Tess will get back about midnight.”
He said of camp life at Gwrych Castle: “We were eating nothing but rice and beans.
“For the first two meals you’re like, ‘Yeah, we can do this’. Then you realise every meal is bloody rice and beans.
“I’ve lost just over 2½ stone, and I didn’t have 2½ to lose!
“We’re going to put the Christmas tree up and I’ve got a funny feeling there may be a bottle of champagne involved.
“And I’m going to enjoy putting that 2½ stone back on.
“I’m going to re-set myself and see if after 46 years I can put on a little bit of muscle.”
Vernon has several offers on the table after impressing TV producers while in the camp, but his dream role would be hosting alongside his wife of 17 years.
He added: “We hosted a show a few years ago called Just the Two of Us, and that went well.
“I love working with Tess because she’s probably one of the most dedicated presenters I’ve ever worked with.
“I’ve worked with some really strong, powerful women in television and it’s thanks to them that my career blossomed and grew because I learned from them.
“Working with Tess would be exactly that.”
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