DECLAN Donnelly was left red-faced during last night’s I’m A Celeb as his co-host Ant McPartlin referred to Ashley Roberts as his “daughter” – despite their previous romance.
Back in 2013, Dec, 50, and Ashley, 44, are thought to have had a brief fling following her initial stint on the ITV jungle show.
Monday night’s episode saw the Pussycat Dolls singer take on a grueling challenge, which left her shaken up and upset by the end.
As she finished the trial, which also included Scarlett Moffatt, Dec gave her a hug as he and Ant attempted to calm her down.
Ashley then counted how many stars she and Scarlett had secured in the challenge, counting out an impressive eight.
“I feel so proud of you two right now. It’s like our daughters have just come back at a prize painting competition at school,” said Ant as he nudged Dec.
An awkward Dec laughed along as he said: “Maybe younger sisters, not daughters. Younger sisters.”
He then swiftly moved the conversation back to camp chat.
When Ashley was on the show back in 2012, Dec’s apparent crush on her was a running joke.
And after the series, the Geordie host appeared to act on his crush as he was spotted cosying up to Ashley in March 2013.
Ashley even addressed the rumours as she said at the time: “We’re trying to keep it out of the public eye.
“We’re just getting to know each other. We’re having fun, but I’m single. I love both those guys.”
Things seemingly fizzled out and Dec met his wife, Ali Astall, later that year.
You won’t see either of them address the romance on the show, either, as we revealed earlier this month that Heart FM DJ Ashley was told their flirtation is “off the table” before entering camp.
A source said: “As with any campmate, relevant stories are discussed in preliminary chats with the celeb and the team.
“Ashley would’ve been assured anything relating to her link with Dec will be totally off the table.
“And not alluded to in any jokes or references.”
