But the former footy player found that, apart from losing kilograms, he forged friendships with American dancer Kevin Federline and Beaconsfield miner Brant Webb.

‘‘We’re a bit of a boys’ club,’’ he said of the trio.

Jones, whose celebrity partner on the show is Muriel’s Wedding star and comedian Gabby Millgate, said he bonded with the lads because they were such nice, genuine guys.

Known for being Britney Spears’ ex husband, K-Fed has received plenty of media attention throughout the series due to health scares from heat exhaustion and a suspected heart attack.

But he and Jones were feeling fit and healthy when they arrived in Adelaide this week and were due to spend time filming on Kangaroo Island from yesterday.

‘‘Health-wise there’s been quite a few injuries on the show but thankfully I haven’t been sick or had any injuries,’’ Jones said.

A former Newcastle rugby union and rugby league player, Jones signed on for the show because he aspires to join the police force.

Excess Baggage screens weeknights on NBN at 7.30pm.