From pirate DJ to 'King of the Jungle'

“Tarzan” Tony Blackburn was enjoying a day in civilisation today after being crowned king of the jungle Down Under in TV’s celebrity survivor.

Blackburn was one of the favourites to win I’m A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here from an early stage of the contest.

But his influence in the camp grew steadily during the two weeks of the show because of his calm approach in the frequently heated atmosphere.

The traditional weak jokes of his disc jockeying were in evidence and his humour was seen as easing tensions when passions seemed about to boil over.

As with Christine Hamilton, he was seen as a senior figure of authority and something of a diplomat.

The perma-tanned eternal teenager – now 59 – is best known for being Radio 1’s first DJ, 35 years ago.

Born in Guildford, Surrey, the son of a doctor, he was educated at Millfield School, Somerset, and Bournemouth College.

He made his first radio appearance in 1964 on Radio Caroline South then joined Radio London two years later before spinning the first disc on Radio One a year after that. He spent 17 years at the station and currently works on Capital Gold.

His TV work includes Top of the Pops and Noel’s House Party.

He married Tessa Wyatt in 1979. They later divorced and he has been married to Debbie for 10 years.

During the contest, Debbie defended him against jibes aimed of other contestants.

Comedian Rhona Cameron said of him: “Tony’s a bit slow, but that’s OK, he doesn’t mind me saying that.”

But Tony responded: “I do, actually. She did hurt me a little bit. She told me I’m in a Disney world but you escape into that Disney world because it’s better than the one you are in.”

But Debbie insisted of her plainly homesick husband: “He’s not slow.”

She added: “I still don’t know what he was thinking when he agreed to do this show, but that’s Tony. It’s a bit of fun. I can’t wait for him to come home.

“I think Rhona was just being a typical, blunt Scotswoman when she said that about Tony. I didn’t take it seriously.”