The celebrites are pleased to be home

Danniella Westbrook, who chose to leave the show halfway through, and runner-up John Fashanu arrived at Heathrow airport with fellow contestants Antony Worrall Thompson and Toyah Willcox.

Fashanu told reporters the show had been tougher than he thought it would be.

"It was one of life's journeys and it is a journey I'm glad has come to an end. I'm very pleased to be out," he said.

The former footballer, who had to carry out several of the show's "bush tucker" trials, including putting his head in a tank of eels, said he would have thought twice about taking part if he had known how hard the challenges would be.

Fashanu sported African tribal robes

But he was pleased to have finished runner-up behind cricketer Phil Tufnell, who was crowned king of the jungle.

"I was working hard to entertain the public, but I was not disappointed at the end, I was happy for Phil," said Fashanu.

"He was a good lad and he was just himself. But none of us realised how popular the programme was. It was unbelievable."

The athlete said job offers had been "flooding in" since the end of the series.

Actress Danniella Westbrook, who played Sam Mitchell in EastEnders, made no comment after being whisked away from photographers by her minders.

The former cocaine addict left the show voluntarily during the second week because she was worried it was affecting her recovery from drug addiction.

Westbrook (left) declined to speak

Singer Toyah Willcox said she had found it difficult in the jungle.

"It was surprisingly tough because we were hungry all the time," she said.

"But I'm glad I did it. I have no regrets."

At one point during the show the contestants protested to producers about the small portions of food they were given.

Chef Antony Worrall Thompson, who led the protest, said of the show: "The best part was seeing my wife and children."

More than 12 million people watched the final show on Monday night.

Tufnell's agent Mike Martin said offers were now pouring in for the ex-cricketer, who quit the game in April.

"We're lining up all sorts of things. But everything is being kept on ice until he comes back and we can talk things over. At the moment it's all up in the air with regard to what he will commit to doing," said Mr Martin.

Last year's winner, Tony Blackburn, saw a brief career renaissance after the show, and now presents a radio breakfast show on Classic Gold.