Danny Jones, best known as a member of McFly, had a remarkable journey on I’m A Celeb 2024. Danny impressed viewers with his authenticity, courage, and ability to connect with his campmates, ultimately emerging as the winner of the show. His victory came after a highly competitive finale, where he triumphed over runner-up Coleen Rooney and Reverend Richard Coles, securing the title of King of the Jungle.
Discover our latest podcast
In the opening episode of the show, Danny jumped out of a helicopter and took part in the series’ first-ever Bushtucker Trial. According to MailOnline, he was a bookies’ favourite to win the show even before he entered the jungle. This followed a winning streak for Danny, who last year won The Masked Singer and shared the winning coach title with Tom Fletcher on The Voice, reports Metro.co.uk. Additionally, his bandmate Dougie Poynter was crowned King of the Jungle in 2011.
Reflecting on his jungle experience, Danny called the ITV show the ‘most rewarding experience,’ reports The Standard. As he now enjoys the perks of being King of the Jungle, let’s delve deeper into his life and career.
Danny Jones’ exceptional career and band life
Danny Jones rose to fame as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the pop-rock group McFly, one of the UK’s most successful pop-rock bands. According to Heart UK, the band gained prominence while supporting Busted on their A Present for Everyone Tour. Formed in 2003 alongside Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter, and Harry Judd, McFly made history as the youngest band to debut at number one with their album Room on the 3rd Floor. Their biggest hits include All About You, That Girl, Five Colours in Her Hair, Obviously, and Star Girl.
In addition to playing guitar, Danny has showcased his skills on a variety of other instruments, including drums and harmonica. He has also written songs for McFly and other artists.
The band has released seven studio albums, alongside three compilation albums, four live albums, and one soundtrack. Beyond McFly, Danny is a music producer, DJ, and a coach on The Voice UK with bandmate Tom Fletcher.
A look into Danny Jones’ personal life
Born and raised in Bolton, Danny’s life has been a mix of dreams and challenges. Raised primarily by his mother, Kathy, after his father Alan left the family when Danny was 19, he grew up immersed in music. His mother ran a hairdressing salon, while his father is now a radio DJ in Spain.
Danny also has an older sister, Vicky, 40. Both siblings were musically inclined from a young age. In 2014, Vicky participated in the third season of The Voice but was eliminated during the battle round.
Danny Jones’ estranged father
Danny’s relationship with his father has been a source of pain and growth. The 38-year-old shared fond memories of childhood outings with his father, but their relationship ended abruptly when Alan left the family. He revealed on I’m A Celeb that he had ‘great memories’ of ‘getting Macky D’s’ with his father on the weekend before watching his football team play.
Danny has not spoken to his father since and has reportedly not forgiven him for abandoning the family. In 2016, Alan and his wife Sharon moved to Spain, remaining largely absent from Danny and Vicky’s lives. Capital FM reports that Alan is hopeful for reconciliation one day, wishing to meet his grandson and share ‘that pint’ with Danny.
Danny Jones’ family life with former Miss England wife Georgia Horsley
Danny is married to Georgia Horsley, the 2007 Miss England winner. The couple has a son, Cooper Alf Jones, born in January 2018.
The two met in 2009, though it took Danny a year to convince Georgia to go on a date. Georgia initially dismissed him, thinking he was ‘a bit of a d*ck.’ She said:
He tried for a year. I do like to drop that into conversation every now and again. He wanted me for a year. I said no. I was totally chilled when we went on the date.
However, her mother encouraged her to give him a chance, leading to a blossoming romance. She said:
My mum went, “Oh darling, what have you got to lose? Go on, go and enjoy yourself.” I said he’s probably going to be a bit of a top shagger, isn’t he? I just assumed.
The couple got engaged in 2013 during a holiday in Cyprus and tied the knot on 2 August 2014 in North Yorkshire, with their wedding featured in HELLO! magazine.
Georgia, who comes from Malton, became deaf in her right ear after contracting suspected meningitis at age two. She worked as a florist and model before winning Miss England, where she first opened up about her deafness.
Danny’s health struggles with anxiety
Despite his happy family life, Danny has candidly discussed the lingering impact of his father’s departure, which contributed to his struggles with anxiety. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared:
I had a massive bout of anxiety when I was 19 when my dad left. I feel sorry for any kid out there whose mum and dad have split up.
It's their responsibility, they chose to have the kids, so they've got to be adult about it and stay in touch.
Describing the severity of his anxiety, he shared that at times it would become ‘so horrible’ that he felt like he was ‘dying on occasions.’ He revealed:
I experienced claustrophobia, coming out in cold sweats, feeling a band tightening around my chest and worrying I was having a heart attack. It’s so scary and I’ve felt like I was dying on occasions. You can’t believe your body can do that to you. I was also plagued with dark thoughts I couldn’t control.
Read more:
I’m A Celeb co-host Declan Donnelly reveals he was rushed to medics after a jungle spider bite
Ant McPartlin faces backlash due to lewd comments towards I’m a Celeb producers
Sources used:
MailOnline: Who is Danny Jones' wife Georgia Horsley?
MailOnline: I'm A Celeb star Danny Jones' father walked out on his family when the singer was 19 - and he 'still hasn't forgiven him'
Metro.co.uk: Inside Danny Jones’ private life with Miss England wife who assumed he was just a ‘top shagger’
The Standard: King of the jungle Danny Jones: I’m A Celebrity was ‘most rewarding experience’
The Standard: Who is Danny Jones? McFly star's career, wife and 'scary' health fears
Heart UK: Danny Jones facts: I'm A Celebrity star's age, wife, children and career explained
Capital FM: Who is Danny Jones' father Alan Jones? McFly star opens up about distant dad
