As Kelly Brook enters the I'm A Celebrity jungle, the British television personality brings unexpected survival experience from her film past that could give her an advantage in the Australian outback.
From Desert Island to Jungle Challenge
The 45-year-old star, who celebrates her 46th birthday during her jungle stint, previously faced extreme conditions while filming the 2005 erotic thriller Survival Island. The Kent-born model turned actress should find navigating the outback familiar territory after her experience being cast away on a desert island for the cinematic production.
Kelly starred alongside her then-boyfriend Billy Zane in the film, with their on-set romance blossoming into a real-life relationship that lasted from 2004 until 2008. The film, also known as Three, followed wealthy couple Jack and Jennifer (played by Zane and Brook) who become shipwrecked with crew member Manuel.
Controversial Scenes and Professional Battles
Much like the famous jungle shower scenes that have become an I'm A Celebrity tradition, Kelly showcased her figure in a revealing white bikini throughout the survival drama. However, the actress later expressed discomfort with the film's explicit content.
Kelly and Billy attempted to have her nude scenes removed before the film's release, with reports suggesting both professional and personal motivations behind their request. Zane apparently grew uncomfortable or jealous about the explicit scenes after their relationship developed, while Kelly sought to avoid typecasting and change her public image.
Despite their efforts, producers rejected their demands and the controversial scenes remained in the final cut when the film released in 2005, later appearing on DVD in the United States in August 2006.
The film's plot took dark turns as the stranded trio's survival struggle turned psychological. Manuel initiates non-consensual sex with Jennifer before she eventually reciprocates, leading to complex relationship dynamics and betrayal as they discover an escape boat.
Strategic Career Revival
Kelly's jungle appearance forms part of a carefully orchestrated career comeback plan that extends beyond television entertainment. Once voted the 'sexiest woman in the world' by FHM magazine, the star now aims to demonstrate her business acumen alongside her famous curves.
In a strategic move timed with her jungle exposure, Kelly has filed trademark papers with the UK's Intellectual Property Office for the name Parisi Arpino, indicating plans to launch an Italian food range with her husband Jeremy Parisi.
The legal application reveals intentions to sell:
- Pizzas and pasta
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oils, meats and cheeses
If approved, the trademark will remain valid for ten years, suggesting long-term business ambitions beyond her television career.
Following in Sophia Loren's Footsteps
Kelly appears to be emulating Italian screen legend Sophia Loren's successful transition from sex symbol to business entrepreneur. The 91-year-old actress built both a celebrated film career and successful food business empire, famously declaring: 'I'd rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.'
Sophia Loren created her own Italian restaurant chain and lifestyle brands, proving that beauty and business savvy can coexist successfully. With Kelly embracing her hourglass figure while moving into the pasta business, the parallels become increasingly evident.
Despite her business ambitions, Kelly hasn't abandoned her glamorous image entirely. She revealed bringing multiple bikinis for the iconic jungle shower scenes, having learned from fellow presenter Myleene Klass's experience. Klass's 2006 shower moment in a white bikini became engraved in I'm A Celebrity history and helped secure her position as runner-up.
Kelly told the Mail on Sunday: 'I've got loads of different brands. I've got lots of different bikinis with me, so we haven't actually selected the ones I'm going to be wearing in the jungle yet. They've all gone off to wardrobe to get tested on camera.'
The star, who began modelling at 16 and became a Page 3 icon in 1997, emphasised her changed perspective: 'I'm not a 20-year-old bikini model anymore. I am a very different person. I am older, but I am still strong and I am still fit, and that is the most important thing.'
As Kelly Brook transitions from survival film actress to reality television contestant and aspiring businesswoman, her jungle journey represents more than just entertainment—it marks the latest chapter in her evolving public persona and professional rebirth.
