November 27th 2024.
This year's season of I'm A Celebrity has been a little lackluster in terms of drama. As I sat and watched the campmates get along so perfectly, I couldn't help but feel a bit skeptical. Having been a part of the Jungle experience myself, it's clear to me that the celebrities this year are being extra careful with their interactions. It's almost as if they're afraid to step on each other's toes.
I must say, the harmonious dynamic in the camp is a bit surprising. In normal circumstances, I highly doubt these personalities would get along so well. It seems like the raw emotions that usually surface in the Jungle have yet to make an appearance, and I have to wonder if that makes for good TV. As a viewer, I want to be entertained, and while it's nice to see everyone getting along, a good old-fashioned argument would certainly spice things up a bit.
Thankfully, there are a few campmates who are providing some much-needed entertainment. The comedic duo of Maura Higgins and GK Barry are a breath of fresh air with their witty one-liners. Without them, the show would definitely be lacking in the entertainment department. Even Dean McCullough, who was initially expected to bring some drama, has failed to do so. His spat with Alan Halsall over collecting firewood for Jane Moore seemed blown out of proportion, as they could have easily asked another campmate for help.
As a former campmate in 2010, I can attest to the fact that the show has changed since then. Dean has definitely been the most controversial campmate this year, but I can also vouch for him when he says it takes a few minutes to adjust contact lenses after waking up. The fire is extremely drying for the eyes, making it difficult to see. While everyone was mocking him, there is some truth to what he said.
The way the public has been treating Dean for his attempts at the Bushtucker Trials is also quite unfair. Unless you've experienced having hundreds of cockroaches crawling all over your body or being enclosed in a coffin, you have no idea how horrifying it can be. I know for a fact that if I ever signed up for I'm A Celebrity again, I would have to be hypnotized.
This year, viewers have been able to see a more vulnerable side of the celebrities, which is something we didn't have in 2010. Mental health is no longer a taboo topic, and it's refreshing to see open and honest discussions about it on the show. For example, I had no idea that Danny Jones lived with anxiety. It just goes to show that you never know what someone may be struggling with behind closed doors. And when Barry McGuigan opened up about his daughter's death from bowel cancer, it was a heart-wrenching moment for many viewers.
I also really appreciated the open discussion about sexuality between GK Barry and Reverend Richard Cole. It's a powerful message to just be yourself and not to overthink it. It was inspiring to see them be so open and accepting of each other. I hope to see more of their intergenerational friendship, as it's not often represented on screen. Same goes for Richard and Maura, who may not have crossed paths in real life, but have formed a strong bond in the Jungle.
Overall, while I'm not completely sold on this year's season, I do think it's a refreshing change to have a likeable cast. And let's be honest, it's a relief not to have any politicians on the show. That was a terrible idea. They just don't belong in the Jungle.
As someone who has been a fan of the show for 22 years, I still believe there is life left in I'm A Celebrity. But perhaps in the next five to 10 years, it may have to adapt to the ever-changing world and become a TikTok show. Only time will tell.
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