HE announced he was retiring after a final spin on the pommel horse at the Paris Olympics this summer.

But Max Whitlock, who is Britain’s most successful gymnast, isn’t sitting on his laurels after quitting his sport.

Team GB hero Max Whitlock is set to star in I'm A Celebrity
2

Team GB hero Max Whitlock is set to star in I’m A CelebrityCredit: Getty

Max is Britain’s most successful gymnast
2

Max is Britain’s most successful gymnastCredit: AFP
Insiders told me six-time medallist Max has been in talks with ITV about appearing on I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here!

The show, I’m told, has been on Max’s wish-list for years but has not been a reality until now.

A TV insider said: “Max has met with the I’m A Celebrity bookers and talks are ongoing.

“He is a huge fan of the show and has been keen to take part for years.

“This is the first time ITV have invited him to meet and they think Max could be a brilliant contestant.

“Max has good looks, charm and is super competitive, which would come in handy when it comes to the Bushtucker trials.

“Now he has left gymnastics behind him there is no better time for Max to spread his wings and he is hopeful this could be the start of an exciting career in TV.”

If Max does get the nod, he will join the legion of sporting stars who have headed Down Under, including Fatima Whitbread, Mike Tindall and Ian Wright.

Earlier this month, our paper revealed how X Factor judge and pop star Tulisa Contostavlos was also in advanced talks about appearing on the show.

Hosts Ant and Dec are already preparing for the show, which first aired back in 2002.

They will fly out to Australia in early November before the start of the series in the middle of the month, with a plane full of stars following on.

 

Good luck, Max.

I think you’d be brilliant.