The 42-year-old was left startled after co-presenter and keen prankster Ant McPartlin surprised him with a loud bang.

Dec was left clutching his heart in jest and revealed that he "nearly died".

Presenting a segment, Ant cheered: "This is it then folks. It's Celebrity Cyclone time!"

The crew then screamed as Ant pulled out a party popper gun from his pocket and fired it in Dec's direction.

Grasping his chest, Dec gasped: "I nearly died! Phwoar!"

Seeing the funny side of his co-host's close demise, Ant cheered: "Wahey! I didn't tell him about that bit!

"We love it, you love it and the celebrities love it. It's guaranteed to put a smile on their faces for two reasons. One - it's great fun…"

Dec continued: "And two - it's a Bushtucker Trial with a load of balls that nobody has to eat."

It comes as Jamie Lomas finally backtracked and announced that he used to think Iain Lee was "playing a game".

He said: "I thought you were playing a game but you know I don’t think you are now, I think you’re a genuine guy. But that’s what this is, it’s a game."

Taken aback, Iain replied: "Thank you man, I appreciate you saying that."

I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues tomorrow night on ITV at 9pm.