They’re back, baby! I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia has officially returned with a blockbuster first episode.
Channel 10 has been drip-feeding us contestant teasers on social media for the past month – now we finally have some answers!
Woody Whitelaw was revealed as the first cast member in the days leading up to the new season, while other stars like Domenica Calarco and Debra Lawrance were revealed just hours before the season premiere.
So, who is joining Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris in the South African jungle this year? Scroll through to find out!
A Radio Host: Woody Whitelaw
Our first confirmed cast member is none other than KIIS FM’s Woody, of Will & Woody radio show fame.
A teaser previously hinted at a radio host who “loves to kiss and tell” — apparently they meant ‘KIIS’!
After the big reveal was made, Woody said he had “mixed emotions” about his next step.
“There are mixed emotions to be heading into the jungle. I’m obviously excited to be getting a free flight to South Africa and becoming best mates with some cool celebs, but there is also the reality of being away from my girls for an extended period of time,” he said.
Woody is leaving behind his partner and six-month-old baby, Remi, to face the gruesome torture of the I’m A Celeb jungle.
Charity: Dementia Australia
WATCH: Will & Woody Dunk Tank: How Woody found out he was joining the I’m A Celeb cast
A Reality TV Star: Domenica Calarco
She was a major star on the 2022 season of Married At First Sight Australia. Now, Domenica is taking on the fierce challenges of the jungle. But she’s not worried.
“Having done MAFS already, I gathered how hard living in the jungle with some strangers could be… I’ve pretty much already done it! Feed me to the lions, part two!” Domenica says of joining I’m A Celeb.
“You guys already know I’m crazy, but this is crazyyyy!! I’m super nervous but even more excited to challenge myself and WIN THAT CROWN,” she added on Instagram.
Charity: Leukaemia Foundation
A Logie-Winning Celeb: Debra Lawrance
“This Logie-winning legend of the stage and screen is no stranger to drama away from home,” this clue announced. And while some guessed Bec Hewitt or Kate Ritchie might be heading into the jungle, it turned out to be the iconic Aussie actress Debra Lawrance.
Lawrance is a veritable national treasure, having appeared in a long line Aussie dramas, comedies and soaps, including both Home and Away and Neighbours.
She recently joined the all-female cast of the Class of ’07, playing a villainous nun. Will she be hero or villain in the jungle?
“The challenge and the charity aspect are both important,” Debra says of her decision to join IAC. “As is flying the flag for other women out there in their mid-sixties.”
Charity: Ovarian Cancer Australia
An Outspoken TV Host: Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson
“An outspoken TV host will be talent spotting in the African jungle,” we were told in the teaser. Few surprises here, Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson has been revealed as the outspoken host.
The former Australian Idol host says he’s not worried about facing challenges in the jungle.
“I feel pretty relaxed about it actually. I’m sure I will have a rude awakening when I hit camp but right now, all good!”
He may be cool, calm and collected now, but Dicko may just find his just desserts in the African jungle!
Charity: Australian Children’s Music Foundation
Television Royalty: Kerri-Anne Kennerley
Kerri-Anne Kennerley has “finally” agreed to go into the jungle!
“Challenges in life are important and I have put myself through many in my life and career,” she explained to 10 Play.
“Pushing yourself is good for the body and brain.”
Kerri was the last celeb to arrive in the jungle, so we’re yet to see her shine. However, the media legend confessed she’s not usually one to step away from her phone for so long.
Kerri said her late husband, John Kennerley, would be “pushing her” into the jungle.
“Most of the big, fun things I’ve done in my life, I’ve done because he’d push me into it,” she told The Project before entering the jungle.
Charity: Spinal Cure Australia
A Shore Thing: Nathan Henry
“When a UK TV star lands in the African jungle, drama will be a ‘shore’ thing,” a pre-show clue claimed.
While this ‘punny’ riddle left us knowing a member of the Geordie Shore cast would find themselves in the jungle this year… we had no idea it would be Nathan Henry!
“I am so excited, I am so nervous. This is the biggest secret I have ever kept and youse know I have got a very big mouth!” Henry said on Instagram, prior to his I’m A Celeb debut.
“I hope I do the UK proud. I hope everyone votes for me to win. I am getting a bit emotional!”
Nathan has been on Geordie Shore since 2015 and is a seasoned reality TV pro.
Charity: Australian Breast Cancer Research
WATCH: Geordie Shore Cast Then and Now (article continues after video)
AFL Star: Adam Cooney
There were hints of a Brownlow medalist joining the cast – and now we know it’s the 2008 winner, Adam Cooney.
Cooney played for the Western Bulldogs and Essendon before retiring in 2016.
A natural talker, he’s also made a name for himself as an AFL media commentator, and as a key host of Armchair Experts.
Cooney stated he’s heading to the jungle because his wife and kids are huge fans – but he’s a little worried about eating challenges.
“The worst thing I’ve eaten is probably an oyster,” he confirmed. “That’s about the worst for me.”
Charity: Cerebral Palsy Support Network
A Reality TV Star: Aesha Scott
We have two reality stars in the jungle this year, including Below Deck legend, Aesha Scott.
“I’m so excited. It’s going to be so tough but so rewarding,” Scott exclaimed on Instagram. “I’m going to give it everything I have so, please, wish me luck!”
The Kiwi is known among her many fans for her gregarious presence and sense of humour.
As a double science degree holder and chief stew on Below Deck: Down Under, will Aesha prove she’s a leader of this pack?
We already know she’s the only celeb who can start a fire!
Charity: Cancer Council
Celebrity Chef: Anna Polyviou
If you’re heading into a jungle survival situation, you definitely want a chef there with you, right?
Anna Polyviou is a boundary-pushing pastry extraordinaire, who has worked in Paris, London, Melbourne and Sydney.
You may have caught her in TV appearances on Masterchef, Family Food Fight, Studio 10 or The Living Room.
While the other celebs didn’t seem too familiar with Polyviou, the celebrated pastry chef and occasional Masterchef judge has some famous fans at home.
Pals Jack Vidgen, Poh Ling Leow, and Location, Location, Location hosts Mitch and Mark all jumped on Instagram to wish her well in the jungle.
Upon making her grand entrance in to the series, Polyviou noted: “I’m afraid of bugs, the dark, the heights, being in enclosed areas – everything the jungle is about, I’m scared of.”
Charity: Dress for Success Sydney
TV Host: Bianca Hunt
At only 27 years of age, Bianca is the second youngest celeb in the jungle this year, but there’s no denying she’s a talented all-rounder!
The proud Kamilaroi, Barkindji, Ballardong and Whadjuk Woman, has been a host of NITV’s Yokayi Footy and Going Places with Ernie Dingo, founder of first nation’s talent agency, Agnt Blak, and is also a social media fashion influencer.
Will these skills translate in the African jungle?
Bianca said in her entrance that she was worried about sleeping outside, and if that’s the worst of her worries, we think she’ll be okay!
Charity: Indigenous Literacy Foundation
The stand-up comedian: Peter Helliar
There were rumours Helliar would join the jungle after departing from his long-running gig on The Project last year.
Despite being mates with a few of the cast members, Helliar received a rocky reception with the other contestants tasked with deliberately bungling his name. Helliar was the first celeb to tangle with some snakes.
0While he doesn’t appear to be having much fun yet, the stand-up legend and Family Feud host is taking it all in his stride.
Charity: Legacy
The Queen of the Court: Liz Ellis
Our rumoured ‘Queen of the Court’ is champion netballer, Liz Ellis.
If you played netball at any point in the nineties, you’ll know the name Liz Ellis.
The former Sydney Swifts captain is a three-time world champion netballer, two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and four-time MVP award winner.
Since then, Ellis has become a media figure, frequently joining the panel of The Project.
Charity: Share the Dignity
1
The Olympian: Harry Garside
The baby of the I’m A Celeb cast, 25-year-old Harry Garside, may have a tough profession as a champion boxer, but will he be a match for the scaries that lurk in the African jungle?
After earning a bronze medal in the 2020 Olympics, Garside is gearing up for gold in 2024.
You may also recognise Garside as an activist who isn’t afraid to don a skirt on a red carpet or some nail polish in the ring to challenge gender stereotypes.
We can’t wait to see how he stares down the challenges of the jungle.
Charity: Reach
The Intruder: Nick Cummins
The Honey Badger is officially in the jungle! Nick Cummins, the ex-rugby union player who rose to fame on The Bachelor officially joined this season of I’m a Celeb on Easter Monday.
2“They [producers] have approached me five times [over the years]” Nick tells our sister site TV WEEK.
“After doing The Bachelor, I never thought I’d do something like that ever again,” he tells the publication in an exclusive interview.
“Then SAS Australia came along and I really enjoyed it. Now with I’m A Celeb, there’s no drama or make-believe stories, just people taking on new experiences together.”
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