I’m a Celebrity secret signals: Shane Richie, Vernon Kay and more’s ‘rule-breaking’ signs to family

How to detect contestants’ covert communications

The I'm a Celebrity campmates are prepared to be away from home for a possible three weeks.

Being apart from family is hard for anybody and, despite the fact they're only in Wales as opposed to Australia (where the show is normally based), some of the contestants have come up with secret codes to communicate with their loved ones.

This year's eliminations are due to begin next week, but until then, the contestants are signalling to family members whenever they can.

However, some of these codes have been foiled, with ITV bosses reportedly lining up punishments for those caught doing them.

But, who has a secret code – and what are they?

Shane Richie

Shane Richie was the first celebrity to have his signal revealed thanks to his wife Christie Goddard.

Goddard told her Instagram followers that the actor placing his hand to his face, with his two middle fingers over one eye, was a sign for his children.

"Shane’s special signal to the children, telling them he loves them," she wrote alongside a photo of the signal.

Giovanna Fletcher

Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher also devised a signal for her children and husband, the McFly singer Tom Fletcher.

Fletcher revealed the secret sign on This Morning, saying: "When she did that on her nose that's her little signal for the kids,"

He was referring to Fletcher wiggling her fingers while holding her hand to her nose.

Vernon Kay

TV presenter Vernon Kay's may not have a specific message, but he does have an accessory that show he's thinking of his wife, Strictly presenter Tess Daly.

Kay has been seen wearing a ring inspired by his favourite musician, Elvis Presley.

It turns out this ring – which is a copy of one that Presley wore – was a gift from Daly for their wedding anniversary.

In 2010, Kay described it as "the most romantic thing Tess has done for me".

Jessica Plummer

Jessica Plummer, best known for girl band Neon Jungle and for playing Chantelle Atkins in EastEnders, was seen crying after receiving a gift from her daughter in Thursday night's episode (19 November).

She revealed to fellow contestant, broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, that she came up with a signal to let her child know she was thinking of her.

"I said to my daughter before we left each other that if she misses me when she's at home, she looks for the moon," she said, adding: "I can look at the moon and we can both see it."

Russell Watson

Russell Watson also has a secret sign, although it's being kept a secret.  

The tenor's wife, Louise, appeared on Lorraine on Thursday (18 November), where she refused to reveal the specifics.

"We'll have to wait and see," she said after Lorraine asked if there was a way they had arranged for Russell to signal her from the show.

"He might have a couple of signs, yes."

I'm a Celebrity continues nightly at 9pm on ITV1