As I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! prepares to launch its milestone 25th series on ITV this Sunday, a crucial financial clause has come to light that could see celebrities forfeit their entire appearance fee.
The 72-Hour Jungle Rule
Reports confirm that all campmates must remain in the Australian jungle for a minimum of 72 hours to secure their full payment. This lesser-known stipulation in their contracts means any celebrity who leaves before this critical timeframe risks departing Australia empty-handed, regardless of their initial negotiated fee.
Among the ten celebrities testing their mettle this year is former Arsenal and England football star Alex Scott. The 42-year-old broadcaster joins a diverse line-up including reality television figure Jack Osbourne, rapper Aitch, and streamer Angry Ginge.
Alex Scott's Journey from Pitch to Jungle
Scott brings an impressive sporting pedigree to the camp, having enjoyed a remarkable 12-year playing career that featured three separate spells with Arsenal. During her time with the North London club, she secured 22 major trophies.
Internationally, the defender earned 140 caps for England across a 13-year international career before retiring in 2018 and transitioning into broadcasting. She has since become a familiar face on BBC programmes, presenting The One Show and Goals on Sunday, while also hosting the Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony.
Scott follows in the footsteps of fellow football personalities who have previously endured the jungle experience, including Arsenal icon Ian Wright and former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.
Following in a Lioness's Footsteps
Scott isn't the first former England women's footballer to enter the jungle, with her ex-international colleague Jill Scott having won the series in 2022. Reflecting on that victory, Alex Scott admitted to ITV that replicating the achievement would be "absolutely astounding".
"I have been retired a lot longer than Jill and in my head, she had that moment and it has been done," Scott revealed. "It would take a lot and if I did win, I would burst out crying. I don't think I would even expect it."
The contestants will face the show's traditional meagre rations of rice and beans unless they successfully complete trials to earn stars for proper meals. However, Scott appears unfazed by this prospect, citing her Jamaican heritage.
"I love rice. With my Jamaican background, it's all about the chicken and rice," she explained. "If I come out of the jungle never wanting to eat rice again, I'm going to be devastated!"
The television presenter also credited her partner, singer Jess Glynne, with encouraging her to accept the jungle challenge. Scott described the couple as "genuinely so in love" and acknowledged that her time in the camp would represent the longest period they have ever spent apart.
"It is a test for both of us," Scott told The Mirror. "I know she is at home, and she is going to be my biggest cheerleader, supporting me, and she really wanted me to do this because she knew that I wanted to test myself."
She added that despite the separation, the experience might ultimately strengthen their relationship, noting: "I suppose that is what makes the heart grow fonder, right?"
