Model Leomie Anderson has revealed that her late father's love of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! was a key reason she agreed to take part in the show. The 33-year-old is one of 11 famous faces heading to the Australian jungle for daring challenges and Bushtucker trials.
A Tribute to Her Father and Uncle
Anderson told Express that both her father and uncle, who have both died, were fans of the ITV programme, and she hopes to make them proud by taking her place in camp. Her father died from cancer on Christmas Day in 2022.
She said: "This show was one of my dad's and uncle's favourite shows to watch. So when the opportunity arose, I was like, okay, let me try and do it this year. Neither of them are here anymore. So it's emotional, but I'm very, very proud that I've been able to do it this year, and do it in their memory."
Raising Awareness About Cancer
Anderson is keen to use her time on the show to raise awareness of the disease, believing her father's reluctance to seek medical advice contributed to his illness being detected too late. She wants people to encourage loved ones to get checked by a doctor whenever symptoms arise, however minor they may seem.
She added: "Because my dad was the type who didn't really want to go to the doctor and stuff like that, and I feel like that was one of the reasons why his cancer was discovered so late."
Joining the Jungle Line-Up
Anderson revealed that her father, who was supportive of her career, knew little about the industry she worked in but knew I'm A Celeb "through and through". She hopes to discuss her father's passing with fellow campmates, saying it is emotional but she hopes to speak about it because it will resonate with many people.
She will be heading into the jungle alongside Chloe Burrows, Joanna Page, Jack Skipper, Ricky Wilson, Claire Sweeney, Ade Adepitan, Mariella Frostrup, AJ Odudu, Wayne Rooney and Sharky. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! airs Monday November 16 on ITV at 9pm.
