I'm a Celeb's Mike Tindall receives emotional letter from wife Zara: 'Needing papa hugs'

Zara Tindall has penned a sweet letter to her husband Mike, who is currently starring on the latest series of I'm A Celeb.

The former rugby star, 44, looked moved on last night's episode of the ITV show – which is being filmed in the Australian jungle – as the message was read out by his campmate, Coronation Street actor Sue Cleaver.

Princess Anne's daughter, 41, wrote: "Hi my love, we are missing you so much and really needing some papa hugs, but glad you're sharing them with your campmates.

"The girls are enjoying sports and throwing themselves into everything at the moment and the little man is loving life, smashing it up, learning some new words. Z, M, L and L. x"

Read more: Zara and Mike Tindall's relationship in pictures

The couple are parents to three young children – daughter Mia, eight, daughter Lena, four, and 21-month-old son Lucas.

In order for the campmates to receive letters from their families, they needed to complete a series of challenges.

Read more: 'Private' Mike Tindall will mind what he says on 'I'm A Celeb', says friend

Tindall, who previously played for England, is appearing in the show alongside celebrity contestants including Matt Hancock, Boy George and Seann Walsh.

It comes after his friend and fellow ex-sportsman James Haskell revealed that the royal would be careful what he said about his famous family.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the ex-rugby player – who is himself married to TV star Chloe Madeley – was asked whether his friend would be cautious about mentioning the royals.

He replied: "Yes, I think so. You always do.

Read more: How Zara and Mike Tindall forge their own path

"You always do. But Mike's quite a private guy anyway. I think he's part of one of the most famous and best families in the world."

Haskell added that he thought it was likely that the late Queen's granddaughter would fly out to greet her husband at the end of the show.

Watch: Prince William refuses to back Mike Tindall to win I'm A Celebrity