Gemma collins returns to the jungle: a brief history of drama
Get ready for a dose of reality TV chaos – Gemma Collins is back in the jungle. The 'All Stars South Africa' edition of I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! premieres tonight, and alongside familiar faces like Sir Mo Farah, the inimitable Collins is ready to stir things up. But for those scratching their heads, a refresher on her previous, brief, stint is in order.
From towie to the jungle: a reality tv trajectory
Collins’ rise to fame began on The Only Way Is Essex in 2011, quickly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the British reality TV landscape. Since then, she's amassed an impressive portfolio of appearances, including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice, and Celebs Go Dating, plus her own reality show, Diva Forever. A new series, Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby, is slated for release on Sky later this year. Her Instagram, @LoveofHuns, offers a constant stream of evidence supporting her self-proclaimed status as a British icon.
The 72-hour jungle exit: a regret and a promise
The elephant in the room, of course, is her previous appearance on I’m A Celebrity. in 2014. Collins lasted a mere three days in the Australian jungle, a decision she has since openly regretted. The minimum contractual obligation was met, securing her payment, but the brevity of her stay has haunted her ever since. Speaking ahead of the South African series, she declared, "I thought whatever happens to me in my life, I must go back into that jungle; it was one regret I had."
Despite her professed desire for redemption, Collins admitted to feeling “bricking it” upon her return. However, she insists this time will be different. “It’s not the GC in there, it’s Gemma Collins, as you’ve never seen her before,” she stated, hinting at a more vulnerable portrayal. She's promising viewers a chance to see “me thinking I’m Lara Croft,” alongside a camaraderie she hopes will make for compelling television.
I'm a Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa season two premieres tonight, April 6th, on ITV1 and ITVX. Whether she’ll last longer than 72 hours this time around remains to be seen, but one thing's certain: Gemma Collins is guaranteed to bring the drama.