Vernon Kay admitted he broke down in tears over the 'emotional and physical exhaustion' he endured during his three-week stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

In a new interview, the presenter, 46, recalled struggling in North Wales' Gwyrch Castle as he missed his family and lived off rice and beans, which contributed to his whopping two and a half stone weight loss.

Following his three-week stint, the ITV star praised his 'amazing' wife Tess Daly, 51, for helping him get through to Friday's final, when he placed third behind Queen of the Castle Giovanna Fletcher and runner-up Jordan North.

Vernon told Daily Star Sunday: 'I still cry at Forrest Gump, so I expected to cry while I was on I’m A Celebrity. I even cried in the interview I did at the start of the series.

'And when you’re in there, you are emotionally drained because you are missing your family. I felt comfortable with that group of ­people that I could cry. I didn’t think about trying to stop myself from ­getting emotional.

'You are physically drained, too. We were eating nothing but rice and beans most of the time. I lost two-and-a-half stone – that’s weight I didn’t really have to lose.' 

On Strictly Come Dancing star Tess' support, the campmate told ITV: 'She was so proud. Phoebe literally told me everything that had gone on in camp. Tess said all three were through the roof when I got into the final. They were glued to the TV.

'That is a conversation I will never forget because it reassured me of the reasons I went in – to make the girls proud. It reassured me I’d done that. And Tess was just elated. 

'I saw what she’d done on social media, she’s worked her socks off. She has been amazing.'

The media personality also branded his long-term partner 'one of the most dedicated presenters' and said pairing up with her on TV would be an 'absolute dream'. 

In celebration of his return, the mother-of-two, who shares Phoebe, 16, and Amber, 11, with the Bolton native, went out to buy him an array of tasty treats on Saturday morning. 

After learning that Vernon had lost a jaw-dropping 30lb during his appearance, Tess took to Instagram to share the contents of her bulging Waitrose bag.

The former Children in Need anchor wrote: 'Vern told me he's lost 30lbs in weight! So I've been shopping to get some of his fave foods ready for his return.'

As she rummaged through the delights awaiting him, which included bacon, meatballs and Turkish Delight, she added of her purchase: 'Mostly meat, chocolate and of course his favourite Yorkshire Tea bags.' 

Tess also shared a snap of some biscuits baked by their daughters Phoebe and Amber. 

Later in the day, Vernon pined for Tess as he watched her host Strictly's Musical-themed episode. 

The All Star Family Fortunes host wrote alongside a snap of the TV star: 'Hurry home @tessdaly !! @bbcstrictly what a show, @craigrevel you’re welcome too!! (So good to be dust and smoke free! No Rice and Beans!!!!)'. (sic)

Tess reassured her beau she'd be home soon as she wrote back: 'See you soon @vernonkay put the kettle on ❤️✨'.