Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Is THIS who is meeting Mike Tindall when he leaves I'm A Celeb jungle?

Zara Tindall looks unlikely to travel

mike tindall solo
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
Share this:

The countdown is on until the I'm A Celebrity final.

MORE: Mike Tindall's extra-special celebrations with wife Zara after jungle exit revealed

Already, the campmates' friends and family have gathered outside the camp to greet the contestants as they leave the jungle.

WATCH: Mike Tindall films inside private gym at royal home

But there is still one big mystery… Who is going to meet Mike Tindall at the end of the wooden bridge?

Many fans had been hoping to catch a glimpse of wife Zara Tindall, and perhaps the couple's three children, upon Mike's exit. But it now seems increasingly unlikely that they will make the long journey to Australia.

READ: Mike Tindall and wife Zara set to break royal tradition with daughter Mia?

MORE: Mike Tindall's wife Zara and children bound for Australia – but it's not what you think

There is a high chance, however, it will still be a family affair thanks to Mike's parents and his brother, Ian.

mike tindall parents© Photo: Rex

Princess Anne and Mark Phillips with Linda (left) and Phil (far right)

Mike is incredibly close to his family. He is the second son born to retired bank official Phil and social worker Linda, with one sibling who is three years older.

READ: Mike Tindall misses poignant family anniversary for son Lucas

MORE: Everything Zara and Mike Tindall have said about baby number four – details

Sadly, Phil has been battling Parkinson's disease since 2003. But it could be that Linda and Ian – who is rarely seen – could travel Down Under to show their support.

mike tindall parents princess anne© Photo: Rex

The couple's got on famously on Zara and Mike's wedding day

In a 2020 interview with The Times, Mike and Phil spoke about their close bond and the Tindalls' relationship with the royal family.

"He started playing for England in 2000 and it wasn't too long before he met and moved in with Zara," Phil recalled.

mike tindall wedding© Photo: Getty Images

Zara and Mike married in July 2011

"Linda's mum was dead against it. In her day, royalty married royalty and she thought the wedding would be shunned. But right from the start the whole family was just lovely.

"We'd go on a Friday night to watch the match and stop over. Sometimes we'd all go out for lunch with Zara's mum on Sunday before we went home. We spent quite a bit of time with her dad too.

mike tindall parents peter phillips© Photo: Rex

Mike with his parents (centre) and brother-in-law Peter Phillips

"[Prince] Harry would often be round watching the rugby, so, slowly and quietly, we got to meet them all — and that's how it went on for quite a few years.

"Linda's mum died before she could meet Zara, but I know she'd have loved her as much as we do because she and Mike are perfect for each other. What one starts, the other finishes; they are a fantastic team."

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.

More Royalty

See more