It’s a new year, and a new round of celebrities are helicoptering into the wild jungle to compete on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia.
The beloved 10 series, hosted by Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown, has kept its cast tightly under wraps again this year, with fans now chomping at the bit to know who will be taking on the 2022 season.
While the bevy of clues released by the network kept us guessing, over the weekend preceding the premiere they began to confirm contestants, beginning with MasterChef alum Poh Ling Yeow, and following it up with sporting great Nathan Buckley.
Fans were also delighted to see Beau Ryan will be arriving in head-to-toe khaki tonight as well, with his appearance long having been rumoured.
Meet the first members of the cast below.
Poh Ling Yeow
Poh has been the first contestant to publicly confirm she’s headed into the jungle in 2022. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, she described the experience as both challenging and entertaining.
Although she’d turned down the opportunity a few times, Poh explained that she enjoyed last year’s season so much that she was pretty excited to jump on board this year.
“I was just shitting myself and laughing the entire time. Who would have known I would love watching people gag that much?” she quipped.
Poh shot to fame in 2009 when she came runner-up on the inaugural season of MasterChef Australia. Since then, she’s hosted Channel Nine’s Snackmasters, and returned to the MasterChef kitchen for MasterChef: Back to Win.
Nathan Buckley
Nathan Buckley was also able to confirm he’d be appearing on the show in a chat with The Herald Sun on Sunday.
“I wouldn’t describe myself as a reality TV buff but when the offer came through I was intrigued,” he said.
“I would never have imagined that I would do something like this given a million opportunities, but I had the time and the space to do it so I took the leap.”
Nathan has had a successful sporting career, having spent years playing AFL. He held the captaincy at Collingwood for a number of years, and also went on to coach for the club.
Beau Ryan
After months of speculation, it was finally confirmed on January 3 that Beau Ryan would be heading into the jungle.
Beau was spotted at the filming location for the series during production, making this the worst-kept secret of this season so far. But we’re still thrilled he’s here!
A former NRL great, Beau successfully pivoted into a career in television after retiring from the sport. He’s done acting, and singing, and is the current host of Australia’s iteration of The Amazing Race.
Brooke McClymont
Country singer Brooke McClymont practically leapt out of the car into the jungle last night, claiming she was excited for ‘some time without the kids’. Decked out in a faux fur coat and a very cute hat, she was a ball of energy from the very beginning. Brooke is best known as part of country music trio The McClymonts, made up of Brooke and her two younger sisters, Samantha and Mollie. An ARIA Award-winner, Brooke has also written songs or the likes of Olivia Newton-John and Kate DeAraugo.
Cal Wilson
Bespectacled and sporting a mix of pink and purple hair, comedian Cal Wilson was impossible to miss as she entered the jungle last night. A full-time funny lady, Cal is most often seen these days on Have You Been Paying Attention and Hughesy, We Have A Problem. She burst onto the Australian TV scene in the early 2000s, starring on shows like Thank God You’re Here and Spicks and Specks.
Derek Kickett
Former AFL champion Derek Kickett was recognised instantly by Beau Ryan for the legend that he is. Although approaching 60, Derek enjoyed a decorated career as an AFL player, playing most notably for Essendon and the Sydney Swans. He’s also the uncle of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, who still plays for the Swans today.
Dylan Lewis
Radio and television presenter Dylan Lewis also walked into the jungle last night, ready to take on any challenge – including jumping out of a helicopter, which turned out to be the very first hurdle. A music expert from way back, Dylan hosted the likes of Recovery and Video Hits, and now presents on Double J. He also plays with his band, The Haploids.
Emily Seebohm
Swimmer Emily Seebohm was announced as the Olympian last night as she exited her car, thrilled to see someone she knew in Beau Ryan. Emily most recently won gold in the women’s 4x100m medley at the Tokyo Olympics, and also took home the bronze in the women’s 200m backstroke. She is the proud owner of 53 medals won on the world stage, and we’re certain her determination will serve her well on I’m a Celebrity.
Maria Thattil
Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil also entered the jungle last night, ready to take on the challenges ahead. The model reached the top 10 at the Miss Universe competition, but is also a writer, speaker, and creator who founded the Mind With Me podcast.
David Subritzky
David Subritzky is not a celebrity, but after this, we’re certain he might be! He is part of a secret mission for Poh, who must help him convince the other celebrities that he’s a real celebrity, a shoe designer known as ‘The David’. So far, David has leapt into the challenge, sharing stories about his illustrious life overseas, and how Cardi B wore his shoes in her most famous music video. David does have some reality TV roots behind him, though. His older sister, Layla Subritzky, was a finalist on Big Brother in 2012.
Joey Essex
The ‘international reality TV star’ has been revealed as none other than Joey Essex, the time-challenged British guy who got his start on the British version of I’m a Celebrity. Joey has made a career out of reality TV, appearing on the likes of Ex on the Beach, Celebrity Masterchef, and SAS: Who Dares Wins. This Australian round will be just another feather in his very crowded cap.
Davina Rankin
The infamous former MAFS bride was the latest to enter the so-called Aussie jungle last night, referring to herself as ‘the most trolled person in Australia’, which is a fair call after her time on MAFS. Davina is also in on the secret mission to cover the tracks of fake celeb ‘The David’.
Tottie Goldsmith
Tottie was revealed during a challenge for Davina, who opened the door to an ‘aeroplane toilet’ up on a giant scaffold to reveal Tottie sitting behind it. The Aussie actress and singer is of celeb pedigree – she’s the niece of Australia’s darling, Olivia Newton-John. Across her career, Tottie has sung with the band Chantoozies, and has appeared on shows like Blue Heelers, and The Secret Life of Us. Welcome Tottie!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
