ITV I'm A Celebrity star signed up because 'pay will help' him in row with HMRC

An I’m A Celebrity star signed up as the "pay will help" after a row with taxman and multi-million-pound legal battle. ITV bosses have recruited Barry McGuigan, the boxing promoter, to appear in the forthcoming 2024 series.

McGuigan MBE has had several financial issues due to failed companies and a crippling £6million legal battle. Earlier this year, it was reported that two companies linked to him were to be liquidated following meetings with their creditors.

Cyclone Promotions Ltd and McGuigan's Gym Ltd were run by the boxer, his wife and their three sons. In 2020, he was involved in a £6million legal battle from disputes over earnings with boxer Carl Frampton.

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Frampton has revealed he nearly joined the cast of I'm A Celebrity 2024 and said he would have "loved to" have featured in the show this year alongside McGuigan when he was in the running to replace fellow boxer Tommy Fury.

Speaking to Boxing Social, Northern Irish boxing star Carl said he might tune in on November 16 when the reality show returns to screens but he doesn't know just yet. He said: "I swear to God I was nearly in it last week.

“When Tommy Fury pulled out there was me and two others, then there was me and one other and then the fella from McFly got it instead of me. So obviously I think there must have been a debate that would have put me and McGuigan in at the same time.

"By the way I would have loved to have been in with him, I would have absolutely loved it, but it wasn’t to be." Frampton took legal action over alleged withheld earnings from his bouts with McGuigan taking a countersuit claiming Frampton, known ass the Jackal, was in breach of contract when he walked out.