Fears for Frankie Dettori in I’m A Celeb after plane crash left him with crippling phobia
FRANKIE Dettori has sparked fear that he may be unable to take part in certain challenges on I'm A Celebrity after developing a crippling phobia.
The jockey is expected to enter the Australian jungle this upcoming weekend and is already in the country ahead of the series getting underway.
However, the star may be left in some rather uncomfortable situations as a result of his battle with claustraphobia.
Many of the tasks on the ITV programme regularly see stars trapped in tight spaces, something that could spark panic in Frankie.
The sportsman was left suffering from claustrophobia after being involved in a horror plane crash in 2000.
Just over 23 years ago, the 52 year old narrowly cheated death after being caught up in the crash that claimed the life of pilot Patrick Mackey.
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The incident took place at Newmarket racecourse as the jockey attempted to fly to a second same-day race.
Frankie was left terrified after the incident and discussed the implications it had left on him in his 2021 autobiography.
Discussing his fear, Frankie said: "I'll fly in jumbo jets and I'll fly in helicopters, but light aircraft? Not a chance. I developed claustrophobia too.
"I used to laugh at my mum when I was a kid and she'd have to have the window open, or when she wouldn't go in a lift, but now it's happening to me."
He then wrote at length to describe the crash in detail.
He penned: "I can see the first flickering of flames, and the propeller looks as though it's damaged.
"That bang we heard earlier must have been hitting the ground as the plane lurched to the side. We tilt suddenly, hard over to the right at a crazy angle, the ground seeming almost off to my side rather than directly beneath.
"I brace myself in my seat, clinging to the armrests.
"Patrick's fighting at the controls to keep us airborne, but it's mission impossible. We're being pulled down to the ground. We're going to die.
"We're going to die. We're going to die."
The sports star will be taking part in I'm A Celebrity when it launches on Sunday.
He is expected to be joined by This Morning star Josie Gibson, EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, boxer Tony Bellew, politician Nigel Farage and YouTuber and podcaster Nella Rose.