Shaun Ryder has pulled out of Gorillaz upcoming UK tour in order to appear on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

The Happy Mondays star is one of twelve celebrities set to enter the Australian jungle later this week.

Ryder said he was initially unsure about appearing on the reality show, but was persuaded by his wife and children.

“Me, my kids and the missus all watch the show. We really love it," he told the Press Association.

"I swore I would not do the programme and I have to admit that when they first approached me about doing it, I blanked the idea for a month.

“But I have got six kids who want me to do the show, the wife wants me to do the show - and that's why I am doing it. I do want to make them proud."

Ryder was due to appear alongside Gorillaz on their UK arena dates, which take place this month.

Other celebrities on this year's I'm A Celebrity include Olympic medallist Linford Christie, ex-MP Lembit Opik and actor Nigel Havers.

(by Jason Gregory)