The excitement for the 25th series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! has officially begun as the first celebrities land in Australia. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley and model and presenter Kelly Brook were the first stars to touch down, arriving at Brisbane Airport ahead of the show's launch next Sunday.
Northern Grit Meets the Jungle
Lisa Riley, 49, delivered a characteristically defiant message upon her arrival. The performer, best known for playing Mandy Dingle in the long-running soap, declared her readiness for the challenges ahead. "I am a Dingle I can cope with anything, I'm from the north...we are made of tough skin," she stated confidently.
She also referenced a past Emmerdale storyline, noting, "We did Dingles Down Under many years ago and I feel it's only right we do it again." When questioned about facing the jungle's infamous insects and spiders, Riley showed no fear, explaining, "I've worked on a farm and it's part of the job."
A Surprise Visit...Or Is It?
Earlier the same day, Kelly Brook arrived, beaming with joy. Playing along with the show's tradition of secrecy before the official line-up announcement, she quipped about her reasons for being in Australia. "I haven't seen my auntie Sheila for a long time so I can't wait to see her," she said, adding, "I'm so excited that you're all so excited for me."
When probed about her tolerance for jungle critters, Brook continued the playful charade. "I don't know what you're talking about, I'm visiting a distant cousin," she remarked, before listing her anticipated activities: "I'm looking forward to surfing... seeing my distant cousin... the koalas and the kangaroos. So much to look forward to."
The Star-Studded 25th Anniversary Line-Up
This year's series, the milestone 25th season, is set to feature a diverse and exciting cast. Alongside Riley and Brook, other famous faces heading Down Under include:
- Musician Martin Kemp
- YouTuber Morgan Burtwistle (Angryginge)
- EastEnders actress Shona McGarty
- Comedian Ruby Wax
- TV presenter Alex Scott
- Jack Osbourne
They are also anticipated to be joined by comedian Eddie Kadi, rapper Aitch, and presenter Vogue Williams. ITV is poised to officially reveal the full line-up next week, with two participants expected to be absent from the initial announcement as they are slated to join the jungle as late arrivals.
Presenters Ant and Dec will be back to helm the popular series. An insider close to the programme revealed that producers are expected to pull out all the stops to ensure the 25th series is the most memorable yet.
The build-up has also seen some last-minute changes. The Mirror disclosed that LBC presenter Nick Ferrari withdrew from discussions with ITV after his radio employers at Global promised to match his substantial jungle fee, considering him a vital part of their schedule.
