EastEnders star Jake Wood in advanced talks to star in I’m a Celebrity

EASTENDERS star Jake Wood is in advanced talks to be in I’m a Celeb.

The actor, who played Max Branning for 15 years, exited Albert Square in February in an explosive storyline that saw his character shunned.

But Jake, 48, has since met with the ITV jungle show’s casting chiefs, who are aiming to secure the best line-up yet for its return to Australia.

And sources said last night he is keen to sign up if offered a place.

One told the Sun on Sunday: “He would love to go into the jungle.

“He thinks it would be a great challenge for him and he has of course seen how well other ­EastEnders stars have done on the series.”

Another source added: “The casting team have booked half of the campmates already and have been bragging about some phenomenal names.”

We revealed last month the show hosted by Ant and Dec is returning to Oz after filming in North Wales last year because of Covid.

But the practice of the campmates’ loved ones staying in a hotel there is expected to be ruled out.