Amir Khan rules himself out of I’m A Celeb due to Muslim faith
AMIR Khan has ruled himself out of a stint on I’m a Celebrity on religious grounds.
The boxer was tipped for the jungle but pals said he would have to duck out of challenges involving eating live creepy crawlies.
A source told The Sun: “Amir would be keen for the challenge to show people what he’s made of but unfortunately it would interfere with his Muslim faith."
Islamic law states Muslims must eat meat that has been slaughtered in a humane fashion.
Although jungle bugs may not specifically be referenced in the rule book, Muslims will refrain from eating meat if they are uncertain of how it was killed.
The source said: “He wouldn’t want to do something half-hearted but challenges that involve eating would see him having to step aside so he wouldn’t want to look like he wasn’t committed to the show.
“He never backs away from confrontation - it’s in his blood, so I’m a Celeb would be a great show for him in many other ways.”
Viewers of the hit ITV show would have been keen to see the British former World Champion shedding some light on his very public split from his wife Faryal Makhdoom.
Khan accused Faryal of cheating on him with fellow boxer Anthony Joshua - before she hit back at both him and his family.
Faryal later announced she was pregnant with their second child before appearing to ask for a reunion.
A picture posted by Faryal on Instagram earlier this week showed the couple looking happy together with their first child, leading to suggestions the pair may be back together.
Returning for it’s 17th series later this winter, I’m a Celebrity is attracting a wide range of names for the star studded line-up.
Although the official cast is yet to be announced also rumoured to be taking part are Coronation Street favourite Jennie McAlpine, Hollyoaks’ hunk Jamie Lomas and TOWIE’s Gemma Collins and Lauren Goodger.
Speculation has also grown for former Corrie star Ryan Thomas to be entering the jungle following a stint in Aussie soap Neighbours.
A spokesman for Amir said he would not rule himself out of the show in the future.
He said: “Amir has been offered lots of programmes but this is one I think he would like - it’s a game show at the end of the day.
"I think he would consider it in the future but he hasn’t accepted on this occasion.”
Rather than heading to Australia with Ant and Dec the 30-year-old will be concentrating on a come-back to the boxing ring following an 18-month hiatus.
Personal problems and a hand injury have meant he has not fought since he was knocked out by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2016.