“Petrified of spiders,” Aspinall said. “Absolutely petrified of spiders - Nathan Aspinall opens up about fear that could complicate potential I’m a Celebrity appearance

Nathan Aspinall might have handled Premier League nights, World Matchplay pressure, and some of the biggest stages in darts, but there is one challenge he is in no rush to take on.

The two-time PDC major champion has admitted he is “petrified” of spiders, joking that an infestation at a previous home once left him ready to move out entirely.

Speaking on the Happy Hour Podcast, Aspinall was asked about the kind of fears that could make life difficult if he ever followed the growing list of sporting names to appear on I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.

“Petrified of spiders,” Aspinall said. “Absolutely petrified of spiders. Me and my eldest are a nightmare. We had loads of spiders once in my old house and I’m like, we’ve got to sell up. I can’t cope with this. Petrified of spiders and creepy crawlies, cockroaches.”

That admission did not exactly make the ITV jungle sound like a natural next step for Aspinall, who has built a reputation as one of the more open and entertaining characters in darts.

Asked about the possibility of appearing on I’m a Celebrity, Aspinall’s first answer was emphatic. “There is not enough money in this world to get me on that show,” he said.

That stance softened slightly when podcast host JaackMaate threw out a hypothetical fee of £10m. Aspinall, laughing along with the suggestion, replied: “Probably.”

It was clearly not a serious declaration of intent, but the exchange showed a lighter side to Aspinall away from the oche. The Stockport thrower has spoken candidly elsewhere in the same interview about pressure, dartitis and the mental side of the sport, but this was a very different kind of fear.

For a player used to dealing with hostile crowds, ranking pressure and must-hit doubles, the thought of spiders and jungle trials appears to be another matter entirely.

Aspinall also offered another glimpse into life away from tournaments when discussing his close friendship with Chris Dobey.

The pair have long been known as good mates on the circuit, but Aspinall revealed Dobey has effectively become part of the household travel routine because of their Manchester airport link.

“Dobey spends a lot of time at my house,” Aspinall said. “He’s actually got his own room because obviously we’re good mates, me and Chris, and he flies a lot from Manchester. So he’ll stay at mine the night before in his room and then we’ll go to the airport together. It’s Dobey’s room.”

The arrangement has not quite gone as far as Dobey being allowed to redecorate it in full Newcastle United colours, despite Aspinall joking that his close friend would happily take it in that direction.

“Well, not quite that,” he said. “Well, if he had it his way, he’d have full bedding, yeah, curtains, the lot, lampshade, anything. But yeah, obviously it’s a spare room, but for a joke, I keep saying I’m going to get him a sign.”

For now, Aspinall’s spare room appears safer territory than the jungle. But if anyone at ITV really does have £10m lying around, the spiders might at least have a negotiation point.