HE may be our man out in the Australian jungle, but comedian Russell Kane’s heart will always be a lot closer to home, in Southend.

The award-winning funnyman is currently having a ball, ribbing the I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! contestants, as they slum it, starving in an insect- infested rainforest Down Under.

Russell, 29, jetted out to Oz to work on a spin-off show for ITV 2, where he delivers his daily Jungle Juicer, a comic twist on events in the camp.

Although, life is certainly looking up for the former copywriter, he’s got no intention of moving away from his beloved Southend permanently.

The triple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee has lived in the town for years, and has family roots in Leigh.

Speaking to the Echo from Australia, he said: “I don’t care how famous I get, I can’t see myself ever leaving Southend. I love the place.”

Russell is also planning to get hitched with long-term girlfriend, Sadie Hasler, in Southend too.

He said: “Sadie and I are getting married in January.

“We kind of planned a worst- case scenario wedding, just in case we didn’t have much money coming in.

“So we’re getting hitched in Southend, then having a reception at a pub, slap bang in the middle of the town. No fuss, just plenty of drinks and a knees-up.”

Russell is looking forward to playing at the Palace Theatre in the new year, for more reasons than one.

His award-winning Fakesp-eare show, a story of financial loss and unspoken lust, set in a modern-day Essex where everyone speaks in Shakespearean verse, hits the theatre on Saturday, March 6.

He said: “I’ve just bought a place near to the Palace Theatre, which is one of my favourite buildings in the country.

“I’ll be able to walk there, which will be a touch.”

Russell’s success as a stand-up happened quickly.

He went from performing in his spare time to getting paid for gigs almost overnight. He was soon signed up as a guest host on Big Brother’s Big Mouth, as well as becoming the face of digital channel Five US.

But that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy ride all the way. He said: “All stand-ups have had their bad times. It’s something you have to get used to.

“Fingers crossed, it hasn’t happened to me for the last few years, but it’s the worst feeling in the world if you get a bad reaction from the audience.

“But at the end of the day, it’s just like rollerskating. It hurts when you fall over, but you pick yourself up and get back skating.”

As for life presenting from the famous camp, Russell is having a great time.

“I’m battling with time zones and the heat, but it’s great out here,” he said.

“I’m not allowed to have favourites when it comes to the celebs. I have to be impartial.

“But I have to say I like celebrity chef Gino De Campo, because he’s so outspoken.

“As for Katie Price, she’s not coming across that bad at all. In fact, I think this could be good for her if she plays it right.

“I also love Sam Fox. If she moved to Southend, she’d be elected mayor in no time! She’s so down to earth.

“I was slightly star struck when I met Ant and Dec, they are really good guys.

“I’m sharing a green room with last year’s celeb winner Joe Swash, and that’s pretty cool. We’re having a right laugh.

“I can’t believe I’m getting paid for this!”

So what does Russell miss most about home? Simple, he said: “Sadie. I’ve missed her so much I’m flying her out here. How’s that for romance!”

l For tickets to see Russell at the Palace, call 01702 351135.