As the reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues to captivate audiences, several contestants have chosen to leave the competition early, citing various personal challenges. From homesickness to phobias, these celebrities faced different obstacles that led them to utter the iconic phrase, “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!”
Hosts Reflect on Contestants’ Departures
Hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin have shared their thoughts on the contestants who have opted to quit the show. Morris expressed her disappointment when contestants leave, stating, “I get bitter when anybody calls the words and leaves. They let me down.” She acknowledged the challenges of the jungle environment and the temptation to quit, admitting, “I’m not even sure that I could do the jungle, so I love how I’m judging them.”
Irwin, on the other hand, approached the subject with humor, joking about the exaggerated demands of the animals he works with, suggesting that the real drama often comes from unexpected places.
Notable Celebrity Exits
Over the years, a range of celebrities have exited the competition, often for deeply personal reasons.
Deni Hines, a well-known figure from the 1990s, left during Season 12 after her team lost a challenge, which resulted in a meal of rice and beans. Frustrated by the outcome, she proclaimed her departure in the confessional, clarifying that her exit was not due to conflicts with other contestants but rather her aversion to the camp’s facilities.
In Season 10, former actor turned racecar driver Frankie Muniz departed after receiving a heartfelt letter from his wife, Paige. Feeling guilty for not being present for his family, he shared, “Hearing my wife say that my son is sad that I don’t play trucks with him, I realize I’ve been home so many days, and when I’m home, I’m not present.”
Kerri-Anne Kennerley, a prominent television personality, quit after just three days in Season 9. Rumored to have been paid $180,000 AUD for her appearance, she refused to participate in a food trial, leading to tension among campers. “I don’t see any point in eating a ball that could never have a result,” she stated before deciding to leave.
In Season 8, Beau Ryan, a former football player, struggled with homesickness, emphasizing his need to be present for his family. “My kids need their dad. My wife needs her husband. And I need to find myself back at the moment,” he shared.
Comedian Mel Buttle exited during Season 7 after encountering a snake near the campsite, revealing her intense phobia. “I have a huge phobia of snakes. It’s not just a fear; I have a massive phobia,” she explained, acknowledging that her decision would likely lead to regret.
Tennis star Bernard Tomic left after a mere four days in Season 4, describing his experience as transformative. “Having these four days was one of the best things that could’ve ever happened to me,” he remarked, recognizing his need to refocus on his professional tennis career.
Also in Season 4, former boxer Anthony Mundine exited a week later, stating that he had completed most challenges but felt it was time to return home. “I did all but one of the trails… met some great people,” he shared on social media.
As I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues to air on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 19:30, and Sundays at 19:00, viewers are left to ponder the challenges that await contestants in the jungle and the personal journeys that lead them to leave. The show remains a platform for celebrities to explore their limits and reflect on their lives while entertaining audiences across the globe.
