Seventeen years after facing the jungle, a former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant has confessed to an unusual habit she maintains as her signature party trick.
From Jungle Nerves to Party Piece
Former glamour model Nicola McLean, who appeared on the ITV reality show in 2008, has revealed she still practises versions of the infamous Bushtucker Trials in social situations. The 44-year-old, who finished in sixth place the year Joe Swash won, admitted her bravery with bizarre foods has become a staple of her nights out.
"Oh, I've eaten loads of things," McLean told the Daily Star and WhichBingo. "As soon as I've had a drink, if someone says, 'Do it,' I'll eat that spider. I just do it. I'm such a show-off. I'm quite happy to eat a bug. It's not a problem."
A Transformed Palate
The reality TV star, known for her appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, credits the jungle experience with fundamentally changing her relationship with food. She confessed to being a far more timid eater before her time on the show.
"Before the jungle, I didn't even eat chicken thighs," she shared. "I only ate chicken breasts. I wouldn't make a roast chicken myself, my husband Tom had to cut it up. Now I'm eating off chicken wings and stuff. It's definitely changed me as a person."
McLean, who expressed interest in joining an I'm A Celeb All Stars series, didn't hold back when describing her current party persona: "I can down a pint and eat a spider. I'm f****** wild, me."
New Series, New Celebrities
This revelation comes as I'm A Celebrity prepares to launch its landmark 25th series. The new season features its most diverse cast yet, including 72-year-old comedian Ruby Wax, who becomes the show's oldest ever contestant.
She will be joined by Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp, 64, and model Kelly Brook, 45, who previously vowed never to do the ITV programme. The lineup also includes soap stars Lisa Riley from Emmerdale and former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty.
Sporting legend Alex Scott, comedian Eddie Kadi, Manchester rapper Aitch, content creator AngryGinge, and Jack Osbourne complete the main roster of celebrities vying for the jungle crown.
As is tradition, two latecomers are set to enter the camp to shake things up. Irish broadcaster Vogue Williams and Celebs Go Dating's Tom Read Wilson are strongly rumoured to be the surprise additions to the 2025 series.
