Celebrity Take out

The former English cricket captain beat sentimental favourite Chrissie Swan on the first Australian season of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

The final three ... Barry Hall, Chrissie Swan and Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff. Source: Channel 10

BRIT Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is king of the jungle.

The former English cricket captain beat sentimental favourite Chrissie Swan, who copped flak last week for leaving her one-year-old daughter at home during the series, and AFL great Barry Hall to secure the crown on the first Australian season of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

“It is a bit strange because an Englishman wins something Australian, ” Flintoff said.

“I tried for years and I’m used to going home with absolutely nothing and finally I have won something.”

He’s the man ... Freddie Flintoff has been named king of the jungle. Source: Supplied

He added: “I’m shocked. I’m stuck for words a little bit. I never expected to get this far, geez. It is a lot to take in really. I’m shocked, surprised, pleased; I’ve got a lot of emotions going round at the minute. I’m humbled.”

Flintoff, 37, entered the camp as an intruder three weeks into the six week competition and never expected to make it to the final three.

“Right up until the last minute of coming in, I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing, ” he explained.

“The hardest thing for me is, I don’t think it was the show, it was me. I’m probably more pleased than I’ve let on that I’ve done this.

Support squad ... Chrissie Swan’s partner Chris Saville and son Leo, Freddie Flintoff's wife, Rachael, and Barry Hall's mates Gavin Langborne and Aaron Broomfield. Source: Channel 10

Flintoff’s win secures $100, 000 for his chosen charity, the McGrath Foundation. His wife, Rachael, flew in to be with him for the final. The couple’s three children – Holly, Corey and Rocky – are back home in the UK and have been keeping on top of his progress online.

“I’m so proud of him being himself, ” Rachael said of her husband. “He is a sensitive person. He never ever expected to get this far in it and when he reads all of the lovely comments from people, he will be so made up.”

Earlier, show favourite Chrissie Swan was placed third in the competition.

Shock result ... Chrissie Swan has come third in I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here Source: Supplied

The television and radio presenter, was expected to take out the title.

Of her experience, Swan said: “I think I’m stronger. Looking back on the first week here, I could never have imagined being here on the very last day. I’ve really thrown everything into this experience. I’m thrilled I stuck it out. I would have missed out on a whole lot of lessons if I’d gone early, that’s for sure. Six weeks down the track, I see the point. It is all about getting to know yourself a bit better, remembering what important, stripping away everything unnecessary is so that you can work out what is necessary.”