As the premiere date for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! looms ever so closer, new host Robert Irwin has made a surprise revelation about what he would change about the show during a live radio interview.
The wildlife enthusiast admitted that whilst he was thrilled to be teaming up with comedian Julia Morris, he did have some reservations about the beloved reality program and ideas for how the show could change for the better.
WATCH NOW: I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia Teaser Trailer. Article continues after video.
“The one thing that I was like mmm I got to change this, was eating the African wildlife…I’m a conservationist at heart,” the 20-year-old admitted in a March 2024 interview on The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
“They have changed it so we’re just doing the cow, and the chicken, and the fish, and the cockroach…but it’s cool cause we really get to bring this to a whole new level.”
“Africa’s got such amazing wildlife, and it’s about celebrating it.”
The admission comes just weeks after another interview Rob took part in, this time with The Daily Telegraph, where he revealed the entire Irwin clan would be heading across to South Australia while I’m A Celeb was filmed.
“I’ve got everyone, including my little niece Grace, coming over, so the whole family is there,” Rob said. “It’s fun.”
“Literally the entire Irwin family are coming over.”
Believe it or not, this isn’t Rob’s first appearance on I’m A Celeb, his first being a decade ago as a ten-year-old where he guest starred alongside his mother Terri and sister Bindi.
“I just kind of got dropped in there and it was awesome. Since then, it’s been on my radar, I’ve been a fan of the show and I just thought it was such an amazing thing I was awestruck, I just loved it,” he has previously shared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
“Coming back as a host is the craziest thing.”
Taking to the airwaves a few months prior on NOVA’s flagship breakfast program Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, Rob said that after this first visit, he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Chris Brown.
“I thought one day I want to host that and now I’m doing it, it’s kind of weird.”
When quizzed on whether he had manifested the job by host Kate Ritchie, Rob jokingly replied: “I think so,” adding that it was a “huge honour” to co-host alongside veteran host Julia.
WATCH NOW: Rob Irwin reflects on carrying on his father’s legacy. Article continues after video.
In October 2023, insider sources told news.com.au that it’s been rumoured that Robert has been offered a $500,000 deal for his upcoming six-week gig – that’s not too shabby!
This marks his first hosting job… it also makes him the youngest top talent on local TV.
After an incredible audition earlier in the year, gaining this gig was not an easy task for Robert. He had to go up against “some of the industry’s biggest names” and also had many screen tests with co-host, Julia Morris, before eventually landing the position.
Rob’s appointment aligns with his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation and education. Since childhood, he has been actively involved in the family’s Australia Zoo and has participated in numerous animal rescue and conservation efforts.
Rob expressed his enthusiasm for the role when the news was first announced in late October.
“I can’t wait to plunge back into the incredible African jungle and introduce our celebrities to the magnificent wildlife that call the jungle home,” he said
“Most of all, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the incredibly kind and talented Julia Morris. Crikey! This is going to be a wild ride!”
Julia shared her enthusiasm on the announcement, stating, “I am absolutely overjoyed by the appointment of my spectacular new co-host, Robert Irwin.
“Audiences will be peaking at how much fun we have in store. You might think Robert and I are an unlikely duo, but it turns out we’re a magical combination! Season 10, here we come!”
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here airs on Channel 10 and 10Play.
