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Snooker legend Jimmy White expects to enter the Masters in better physical shape than in recent years, all because of his stint in the Australian jungle for the ITV1 hit show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The 47-year-old has revealed that he lost weight during his three weeks on the programme, and expects to feel the benefits at next week’s prestigious tournament.

“I lost 22lb and that will be a real benefit to me in my snooker,” explained the 1984 Masters champion.

“Before there were some shots that I couldn’t reach.

“I’ve always been one of the best players with the rest but I’d rather be able to reach the shot without it.”

The Whirlwind was handed a wildcard for the event at Wembley Arena after missing the UK Championship as a result of his appearance on I’m a Celebrity… and admits that he missed the sport during his absence from Britain and can’t wait to return to action.

“I was thinking about snooker a lot and I was gutted to miss the UK,” White added.

“In one of the trials I had to do there was a snooker ball and that brought all the memories flooding back.”

He will meet world No. 16 Mark King in the opening round of the competition and is confident of beating his opponent if he finds his best form. Meanwhile, it’s expected that White’s appearance will generate a lively atmosphere inside the arena – something which the six-time World Championship finalist is very much looking forward to.

“I’ve always had great support from the crowds at Wembley so I’m looking forward to getting back there and enjoying that,” White said.

“King is a tough competitor but if my game is there I can beat him.”

White and King’s hotly anticipated match will take place on Sunday evening at 7pm. The winner will then advance to Round 2 of the tournament, where they will face the victor of the other Round 1 match between Mark Williams and Rory McLeod.

Rob Swan