Former England cricket star Phil Tufnell has revealed the aspect of jungle life that tested his patience the most during his return to I'm A Celebrity... South Africa in 2023. The Barnet-born sports personality, who first won the show back in 2003, found himself grappling with an unexpected source of frustration during his All Stars appearance.
The Jungle Diet Dilemma
Speaking to Betway about his experience in Kruger National Park, Tufnell admitted that the notorious rice and beans diet proved more challenging than he'd anticipated. "The food got on my nerves a bit more," the 59-year-old confessed. "I forgot how awful the rice and beans were."
Reflecting on the difference between his two jungle experiences, Tufnell noted that during his initial 2003 appearance, the camp had the advantage of celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson among their ranks. "My first time on the show, the food was actually decent," he recalled. "When we got treated to dinner after winning enough stars, it was quite good. We'd have these weird foods we've never had before, and sometimes bits of seafood."
The cricket legend emphasised the importance of having culinary expertise in camp, stating: "That is my one recommendation if you go on the show. Make sure you have a chef with you for as long as possible."
South African Safari Experience
Despite his food-related frustrations, Tufnell described the South African setting as "incredible." He vividly recalled the wildlife encounters that made this All Stars edition unique. "Baboons were running about, it was amazing," he shared. "Eagles were flying above you and there were vultures in the trees. When you were walking to get the water, you'd see deer and all these incredible animals."
The 2023 All Stars edition brought together former participants including Amir Khan, Carol Vorderman, Paul Burrell and Joe Swash. For Tufnell, this marked his first return to the jungle environment since his original victory two decades earlier.
From Cricket Pitch to Jungle King
Tufnell's journey to becoming a television personality began after his retirement from professional cricket in 2002. His 2003 jungle victory catapulted him into regular television appearances, including stints on They Think It's All Over, Strictly Come Dancing and a remarkable 13-year role as a panellist on BBC's A Question of Sport.
During his 16-year cricketing career, Tufnell represented England in 42 Test matches and 20 One Day Internationals, being part of the historic Ashes-winning squad in 1997. His sporting background undoubtedly helped prepare him for the physical challenges of jungle life, though even his resilience was tested by the monotonous camp diet.
The All Stars experience reminded Tufnell that while locations and companions may change, some aspects of jungle life remain consistently challenging. His advice to future contestants highlights the importance of good camp cuisine, proving that even for a hardened sports professional turned television personality, some comforts are worth fighting for.
