Pop Buzz UK

The new series of this popular reality TV show started last night in the UK.
Again, the producers of I’m A Celebrity… have selected/managed to persuade/bribe an eclectic bunch of celebrities to spend a potential 3 weeks in the jungle. Some of them seemingly have no idea what they’ve let themselves in for.

We have, in no particular order…

Jan Leeming: 64 year old former Newsreader
Toby Anstis: Former children’s TV presenter and currently a DJ
Matt Willis: Former member of Busted and now solo singer
David Gest: Tabloid fodder, producer and former husband to Liza Minelli
Faith Brown: 65 year old Comedienne and Impersonator
Myleene Klass: Beautiful musician and TV presenter
Lauren Booth: Journalist and sister in law to Tony Blair
Jason Donovan: Former soap, pop and stage star
Phina Oruche: Actress, best known for Footballer’s Wives
Scott Henshall: 30 year old fashion designer

Before last night’s opening episode, I hadn’t ever heard of the last two but I’m sure some people have…Hmm. So there we have the 10 celebrities (that status is open to interpretation) who have opted to be stuck in the Australian wilderness for up to 3 weeks together. Their first challenge (after getting over seeing David Gest’s scary cosmetic surgery) was to reach the camp. 6 of the celebs had a very simple journey, with a kayak trip over a lake before a short trek. The other 4, chosen supposedly at random, had a slightly scarier entrance being bungeed 1000 feet out of a helicopter! Lauren, Jason, Matt and Myleene had to endure the ordeal, hopefully a taster of things to come in the “Bush tucker Trials�. The look on Jason’s face as he was released backwards from the helicopter was a joy, although not for him. Unfortunately they all came through unscathed.

Later on in the show, Jan volunteered herself for the first trial, being delved into a fake mineshaft filled with all manner of creepy crawlies. I think she assumed everyone would only have one nasty task to accomplish and wanted to get it over and done with. In actual fact, viewers get to wield the power and vote for whichever celeb they don’t like, to suffer the trials. Regardless, she managed to get 2 stars, translated to 2 dinners for camp… between 10. Not good. Jan’s only saving grace was reaching in to one of the holes, scooping up tree frogs and relocating them so she could grab the tiny star nestled in amongst them.

Ant and Dec, the pint sized Geordie geniuses are again the presenters and had some good moments last night. I can’t help feeling though, after 5 previous series of the show, they are a bit complacent and comfortable with the format. Maybe it’s time they got out of the show while at the top, the same as they so cleverly did with Pop Idol.

The series continues every night on ITV1 at 9PM. The early betting for series winner has Jason Donovan and Myleene Klass top. I’d agree with that but add Matt Willis in to the mix. I’d guess (and will vote for) David Gest to be the first booted off the show. Let me know if you disagree…

I’m a Celebrity, Matt Willis, Myleene Klass, Jason Donovan, Ant & Dec