Radio 1's Jordan North awarded I'm A Celeb runner-up as Sunderland Uni graduate gains new fans

Jordan North has been crowned runner-up in this year's I'm A Celeb. Picture: ITV plc Picture Desk.

He may not have been crowned King of the Castle, but Radio 1 DJ and Sunderland University alumnus Jordan North has won hearts across the country after an unforgettable three weeks on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

Jordan, 30, was announced as the runner-up of this year’s series of the ITV reality show after an incredible journey, which saw him take on a number of trials and face his greatest fears at Gwrych Castle near Abergele, North Wales.

Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher was announced as the winner in the series finale on Friday, December 4 with TV presenter Vernon Kay coming in third place.

For the first time, I’m A Celeb was staged away from its usual Australian location due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – and the new castle location was a hit with viewers.

Speaking as Giovanna was crowned, Jordan said on Friday night: “I couldn’t have lost to anybody better.”

Addressing Fletcher, he added: “You totally deserve this.”

He said that she is the most “genuine, kindest person I have ever met”.

Jordan is best known for being a presenter on Radio 1 and as the co-host of popular podcast Help! I Sexted My Boss alongside etiquette coach and close friend William Hanson.

Jordan North (centre) with his co-presenters Tom Waite (left) and Stuart Birch (right) who had to broadcast a live radio show from Jordan's bedroom in Sunderland during winter storms in December 2010. Picture: North News.

But a decade ago, the Sunderland graduate was making waves on local radio, broadcasting on university radio station Spark PM during snow storms and winter weather on Wearside.

During the final year of his degree, he went on to win Bauer Radio’s competition to find the next generation of talent and landed his own Sunday show on The Hits Radio.

Speaking to hosts Ant and Dec during his final trial on Friday’s show, Jordan told the pair he “loved to talk” and had always wanted to be on the radio.

He’s affectionately known as ‘Radio 1’s supply teacher’, regularly covering for breakfast and drive-time hosts Greg James and Nick Grimshaw.

Vernon Kay, Beverley Callard, Sir Mo Farah CBE, Jessica Plummer, Shane Richie, Victoria Derbyshire, AJ Pritchard, Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie Arnold MBE and Jordan North. Picture: ITV plc Picture Desk.

The other contestants in this year’s I’m A Celeb were star of stage and screen Shane Richie, athlete Sir Mo Farah, dancer AJ Pritchard, journalist Victoria Derbyshire, Paralympian Hollie Arnold, classical singer Russell Watson, West End star Ruthie Henshall and actresses Beverley Callard and Jessica Plummer.

Radio 1's Jordan North awarded I'm A Celeb runner-up as Sunderland Uni graduate gains new fans

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