As the current series of I’m A Celebrity unfolds, let’s revisit some show stars who managed to rejuvenate their careers after their jungle stints.
The latest series of I’m A Celebrity is in full swing, with a dozen celebrities keeping us entertained every evening. From GK Barry and Reverend Richard Cole’s unexpected camaraderie to Maura Higgins’ amusing anecdotes and Dean McCullough being consistently chosen for trials, the series has been a hit with viewers.
While we anticipate the crowning of the next jungle king or queen, let’s reminisce about past show stars who successfully revived their careers following their Australian jungle adventures.
Sam Thompson
Sam won over the nation when he featured on last year’s series, so much so that he emerged as the winner.
Life has been a whirlwind for him since his victory, from participating in Soccer Aid for Unicef alongside big names to securing not one, but two shows on Hits Radio.
Additionally, he bagged his first acting gig as the voice of Security Man Sam in the UK version of Disney’s Inside Out 2.
The reality star is currently back Down Under, hosting the spin-off show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked on ITV2.
Jacqueline Jossa
After being thrust into the public eye due to her husband Dan Osborne’s indiscretions, Jacqueline was eager to challenge any preconceived notions viewers might have had about her.
Indeed, that’s precisely what transpired when she clinched the 2019 show with a staggering 36.97% of the public vote.
Post her grand victory, she reportedly inked a six-figure contract with clothing brand In The Style and has since launched multiple collections with them.
She reprised her role as Lauren Branning on EastEnders towards the end of last year and is now back on the soap full-time.
Joel Dommett
Comedian Joel made it to the final in 2016, finishing in second place, narrowly missing out on the top spot to Adam Thomas.
Following his stint on the show, he’s carved a successful career in presenting, beginning with the spin-off series, I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp from 2017 to 2019.
From 2020 onwards, he’s been hosting the primetime show The Masked Singer and its spin-off The Masked Dancer. He’s currently Down Under filming for the new spin-off series I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked alongside Sam and Kemi Rodgers.
Vicky Pattison
After rising to fame on Geordie Shore in 2011, Vicky was eager to shed her party girl persona, which she successfully did by winning the fifteenth series in 2015.
She subsequently joined the panel on Loose Women and co-hosted I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked in 2016 with Stacey Solomon, Joe Swash and Chris Ramsey.
Over the years, she’s made several appearances on various shows including Celebrity Hunted, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebrity Masterchef.
Recently, she featured in her own reality series My Big Fat Geordie Wedding, which chronicled her wedding to Ercan Ramadan as they jetted off to Italy for their dream nuptials.
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, followed by I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked after the main show on ITV2.