HOLLYOAKS’ Nick Pickard has revealed a huge life change ahead of his I’m A Celebrity stint.
After a staggering 28 years of playing Tony Hutchinson in Hollyoaks, he is taking a break and heading Down Under.
Nick, 46, will be testing his nerves in the Australian jungle after signing up to this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!.
But as the actor prepares to go up against tanks of snakes and goblets of animal innards, he has revealed a major life change.
Speaking to ITV ahead of the show’s launch at the weekend, Nick revealed he had ditched the booze, to get into shape for the show.
He said: “I have not had a drink for five weeks. I was doing the stop October drinking challenge anyway and I have stuck to it since.”
Nick also talked about how it was “hard” keeping the news he was going to be on I’m A Celebrity from his family.
He added: “It’s been so hard keeping it a secret and whilst she will be fuming I didn’t tell her, I know she will also be happy.
“I hope I can make her proud. My girlfriend is excited too, it’s the longest time we will have been apart and that will be tough.”
But Hollyaoks fans need not worry, he won’t be leaving the soap anytime soon.
He said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and as soon as I was approached, I said ‘yes’.
“I am not quitting Hollyoaks to take part. My bosses have been
really supportive of me doing it.”
Meanwhile, a TV source previously told The Sun: “Tony from Hollyoaks – as Nick will always happily be known as – is an absolute soap legend and a huge signing for I’m A Celeb.
“Soap stars always do brilliantly on the show because they come with a loyal following and they don’t come more down-to-earth and likeable than Nick.
“Of course Hollyoaks was recently moved online by Channel 4 so it comes at a helpful time for the soap too, helping introduce that younger online audience to Nick via I’m A Celeb’s huge reach.”
The Sun previously revealed the full line-up of stars which includes Britney‘s sister Jamie Lynn-Spears, This Morning star Josie Gibson, TV and radio star Marvin Humes, First Dates star Fred Sirieix and reality star Sam Thompson.
Meanwhile, Nick was 18 years old when he first stepped foot on the set of Hollyoaks.
Created by screenwriter Phil Redmond, his character Tony Hutchinson was one of the first leading roles in the gritty Channel 4 soap.
Nick is now the longest serving cast member, but there was life for him before Hollyoaks.
Nick also had small parts in EastEnders, Grange Hill, Brookside: Double Take!, Us Girls and the smash hit comedy You Rang, M’Lord.
