[Omah]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz1dSfk3FQO

Comedian Freddie Starr has thrown the new series of I’m A Celebrity into chaos after being refused insurance amid fears for his health.

Frantic ITV producers were desperately trying to strike last-minute negotiations to allow the 68-year-old star to join the rest of the celebrity campers on the jungle reality series.

While nine of the ten celebrities met up for the first time at a plush private villa on the Australian Gold Coast, Starr was AWOL.

Instead of joining his fellow campers on the start of their quest to the jungle camp, the comedian sat by his hotel pool with an ITV producer waiting to hear his fate.

The wacky star looked happy as he sipped coffee and smoked cigarettes.

At first, Starr’s no show at the first meeting of the jungle celebrities was thought to be down to the comic’s ill health.

He had already admitted that his TV jungle stint would see him getting his first strenuous exercise since undergoing a quadruple heart bypass surgery last year.

However, when the comic was approached by reporters concerned for his health, the 68-year-old declared: 'I’m alright. There’s no scare. It’s all down to paperwork.'

He jokingly screamed, 'Armaggedon,' referring to the way that his non-entry into the show had thrown the series into chaos.

It appears that ITV bosses failed to secure insurance before he flew out to Australia.

The delayed paperwork had taken longer than expected, and now the producers are worried that the comedian may not make it into the jungle.