‘Real reason’ I’m A Celeb star signed up as ‘pay will help’ after row with taxman and multi-million-pound legal battle
I’M A Celeb star Barry McGuigan MBE has enjoyed a spectacular boxing career – but his finances have been battered by legal woes.
He’s one of the stars to sign up to the 2024 series of Ant and Dec‘s jungle show.
ITV famously offer the cast huge sums of money to take part, and the payday couldn’t come at a better time for Barry, following his multi-million-pound legal dispute.
Barry, 63, won the WBA and lineal featherweight titles and held them from 1985 to 1986.
He was named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year in 1985 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
Although his current net worth remains unknown, he 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.
But eventually, most of them resigned as directors with his wife staying on.
In 2020, he was involved in a £6million legal battle from disputes over earnings with boxer Carl Frampton.
Carl sued Barry and Cyclone Promotions for allegedly withholding earnings and Barry also took the boxer to court, citing a breach of contract.
Both men vehemently denied the allegations against each other and eventually settled the case out of court.
The terms of their settlement have not been publicly disclosed.
The Sun has contacted a representative for Barry for comment.
This year’s I’m A Celeb line-up already looks like one of the best in the show’s history – thanks to ITV splashing the cash on their stars.
The big star signing is unquestionably Coleen Rooney, with ITV bosses hoping she’ll spill more beans about her Wagatha clash with Rebekah Vardy.
She has already been called the show’s biggest signing ever with a £1.5million fee.
Last year, politician Nigel Farage took home a £1million pay cheque for his involvement, which has now been eclipsed by Wag Coleen Rooney, who is being given £1.5million.
Coleen’s payday is some 30 times bigger than what stars were paid back in 2007, including Christopher Biggins’ £50k sum.
I'm A Celebrity's earnings divide
Christopher Biggins – £50k in 2007
Katie Price – £350k in 2009
Susannah Constantine – £200k in 2015
Jennie McAlpine – £250k in 2017
Amir Khan – £400k in 2017
Harry Redknapp – £500k in 2018
Noel Edmonds – £600k in 2018
Caitlyn Jenner – £500k in 2019
Mo Farah – £300k in 2020
Sam Thompson – £80k in 2023
Jamie Lynn Spears – £250k in 2023
Nigel Farage – £1m in 2023
Coleen Rooney – £1.5m in 2024
Industry experts predict she could go on to rake in up to £5million in deals after the show should she play her cards right.
“I don’t think anybody likes discussing money because it looks as though you’re being underpaid or overpaid,” said Biggins, 75, in an exclusive interview with The Sun.
“I do think what they’re paying now, they paid Nigel Farage a million pounds last year, it’s ludicrous. But if they want these people and these people say no, you have to pay the money they want.”
The show has also secured well-known names this year including Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse, N’Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, Love Island’s Maura Higgins and Corrie’s Alan Halsall.