Mike Dean tipped for ‘I’m a Celebrity’ as Premier League referee heads towards expected retirement at the end of the season

Mike Dean is expected to retire at the end of this season, and he could well fit the bill for the ITV show ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’.

The long-standing Premier League referee was set to hang up his whistle last season, but the official later decided to delay his retirement.

Reports suggested Dean could have postponed the end of his career due to the return of fans in stadiums this campaign and in search of a more meaningful send off.

Now, as the football season edges towards its conclusion, people are wondering whether the end of 2021/22 campaign will finally see the departure of one of football’s most recognisable referees.

More importantly, however, some are wondering if the Tranmere Rovers lover will finally fulfil his destiny: appearing as a contestant on the hit show I’m a Celebrity.

The 53-year-old has officiated in England’s top flight for 22 seasons, but his long standing presence isn’t the only reason he’s so well known.

Dean would be an ideal candidate for the ITV hit show given fanbases across the country joke that his passion and enthusiasm in his refereeing performances shows he loves being the man in the spotlight.

Or being a celebrity, in this case.

Betting company Paddy Power even wrote a ‘fake news’ piece on their website stating Dean was heading to the jungle last year, writing a spoof press release announcing the arrival of the experienced official.

The wind-up piece read: “For those of you who aren’t aware, the only criteria for participating on the show is being a celebrity. I am a celebrity, therefore, I can appear on the show.

“I am looking forward to meeting all my new campmates, particularly David Ginola, whom I will be booking for simulation immediately upon arrival.”

Of course, Dean missed last year’s series due to him continuing his role, but he is currently a 2/1 shot to enter the jungle for 2022’s series, according to Ladbrokes.

Alex Apati said: “With Mike Dean seemingly set to call it a day on the refereeing front, we wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to see I’m A Celebrity chiefs snap up the one man in football fans love to hate.”

He added: “And were he to head Down Under later this year, you can expect to see records broken for number of Bushtucker Trials voted for, in an epic act of supporter revenge.”

Dean has provided the Premier League with numerous hilarious moments since he entered the scene at the turn of the century, from his card-happy antics to THAT reaction to a Tottenham goal against Aston Villa.

Should he decide to say goodbye to the game at the end of the season, the footballing world (most of it, anyway) will be desperate for him to make an appearance in another capacity.

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 2022 could be just the opportunity.