A schoolboy’s heartfelt letter to I’m A Celebrity contestant Anne Hegerty about their shared experience of autism has received thousands of shares online.

Joseph Hughes, 11, from Preston, was diagnosed with autism at the age of five and has been inspired by The Governess’ appearance on the popular ITV show.

His mother, Kate Jarvis, 31, said: “He’ll tell anyone who watches it, I watch Anne, she’s got Autism like me so it definitely does make a difference to him.”