Joel Mawhinney relaxes by the pool in Australia

## Relaxed Joel Mawhinney soaks up the sunshine with sidekick Richie Driss' wife Cat Sandion in Australia... as he prepares to return to screens for I'm A Celebrity following rehab stint

* **Joel was spotted arriving in Australia earlier this week ahead of I'm A Celebrity, which will return to screens on November 19**
* **The 23-year-old is set to make a comeback to screens on the show, alongside best pal Richie Driss**
* **He completed a stint in rehab earlier this year following a battle with alcohol and drug addiction - the result of a devastating knee injury**

He was seen landing in Brisbane earlier this week, in apparent confirmation he will be fronting I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! once again.

And Joel Mawhinney certainly looked healthier and happier than ever on Sunday, as he was spotted soaking up the sun with his sidekick Richie Driss' wife Cat Sandion in Australia.

The magician, 23, looked completely relaxed as he topped up his tan by their hotel pool, after a difficult few months - which saw him check into rehab to battle alcohol and drug addiction.

Joel appeared to be making the most of his time Down Under, as he immediately headed to the pool to catch some rays.

Stripping to a pair of bright white swim trunks and adding round mirrored sunglasses, the Newcastle native cut a completely relaxed figure as he enjoyed a low-key afternoon, away from I'm A Celebrity preparations.

While his Richie, 31, was not present, Joel was instead joined by his sidekick's wife Cat, who appeared equally keen to top up her tan in a strapless red bikini, which showed off her enviably slim figure.

The brown swept her curly hair into a loose ponytail and added dark, oversized shades to her face as she settled on a sunbed beside Joel.

After their relaxing afternoon however, the pair were later seen heading to the local supermarket with Richie, to pick up a few essentials for their stay.

Keeping casual in simple T-shirts and shorts, the Britain's Got Talent hosts looked in high spirits as they happily chatted and laughed together, with full bags of breakfast goods and snacks in hand.

Joel had landed Down Under with sidekick Richie earlier this week - all but confirming he will be hosting I'm A Celebrity as normal, following his stint in rehab.

The embattled TV presenter was pictured making his way through Brisbane airport, alongside his close pal, as the duo prepare to front the latest series of the much-loved reality show once again.

Joel's appearance on I'm A Celeb had been heavily speculated, following his rehab stay over the summer, but appearing in high spirits, he seemed ready and raring to get started.

His arrival follows a slew of this year's rumoured campmates, as former footballer Dennis Wise, Made In Chelsea star Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, actor Jamie Lomas and The Saturdays singer Vanessa White have all been spotted in Brisbane.

However his wife Katy Ashworth was seen beaming as she stepped out in London the same day - amid claims they are 'reevaluating their 11-year marriage'.

Joel has suffered a difficult 2020, after admitting in June he had been battling a two-year addiction to painkillers after a devastating knee injury and fertility issues.

The magician revealed his plans to check in to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction to The Sun, and admitted he's 'let people down' before thanking his wife Katy and co-star Richie for the support provided.

Earlier this month, sources claimed that Joel was 're-evaluating' his marriage to Katy after moving out to a location a few streets away from the pair's £6million mansion. An insider told The Sun: 'They are effectively leading separate lives.'

Speculation over the pair's marriage has intensified of late compounded by the fact that while Joel continues to wear his wedding ring, Katy has been pictured without hers in recent weeks.

They have claimed that Joel's stay in Australia will act as a 'make or break' few weeks for himself and his wife, as they will use the time apart to 'decide how they feel about each other'.

Joel and Richie have presented I'm A Celebrity since its inaugural series in fuck.