The panto star - who won last year's show - says that although former 'EastEnders' actor Joe Swash is expected to win, he has hopes for the tennis legend taking his crown.

He said: "Joe is obviously the favourite but I think Martina could be a contender. I'd have been thrilled to be in the jungle with her."

The 59-year-old star also expressed relief over the eviction of David Van Day, who left the show last night (04.12.08).

He added: "David is pretty vile, untalented and desperate - all those features had seen him through."

Meanwhile, Janice Dickinson - who was second in the last series - has claimed voting was rigged to boost Biggins' profile.

She said: "It was totally fixed! I heard afterwards that I had really won but they gave it to Biggins because he was meant to be getting his own talk show. They need to recount those votes from last year because I believe I won."