In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday night's episode of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, New Zealand supermodel Rachel Hunter was sent home from the jungle. The 56-year-old was eliminated after being defeated in a tense guessing game by fellow campmate, Love Island star Matt Zukowski.
Emotional Exit Interview
Following her eviction, Rachel Hunter gave an emotional exit interview, where she became tearful while reflecting on her time in the camp. 'It's an incredible group of people and it was hard because obviously many bonds were made,' she stated. The model expressed that she was 'disappointed' to leave the competition but remained gracious in defeat.
Her fellow celebrities were equally disappointed, with many praising Rachel for the incredible energy and positive spirit she brought to the camp throughout her stay.
Viewer Backlash Over Elimination Format
The elimination has sparked significant backlash from viewers at home, who have taken to social media to voice their frustration. Many fans are mourning her premature departure and criticising the show's format, which did not include a public vote for this particular elimination round.
One viewer commented on platform X: 'Ugh, it makes me ill that they did Rachel dirty like this.' Another added, 'Rachel Hunter taken out (in the most boring way imaginable) by a Love Island dude.' The sentiment was widely shared, with numerous posts suggesting that had the public been allowed to vote, Rachel would have progressed much further in the competition.
'If viewers were voting, Rachel would have made it much further,' one fan asserted. Another agreed, stating, 'There's no way Rachel would have been in the bottom three if the public got a chance to vote.' The frustration culminated in comments like, 'Goodbye Rachel, you didn't deserve to go like this.'
Rachel Hunter's Illustrious Career
The Auckland-born model first rose to fame in the 1990s as a glamorous cover girl, featuring in a host of prestigious publications including Sports Illustrated and Vogue. She was married to legendary British singer Rod Stewart from 1990 to 2006, and the couple share two children, Renee and Liam.
Rachel also enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood, appearing in popular US television productions such as Mad About You and The Drew Carey Show. Her reality television experience is extensive, having previously competed on Dancing With The Stars US in 2005 and served as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2012.
Substantial Appearance Fee
It is believed that Rachel Hunter was paid between $140,000 and $170,000 for her participation in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. An industry insider explained that her global profile and rarity factor placed her firmly in the top tier for fees. 'She didn't chase the show. When someone isn't desperate for airtime, the number goes up,' the source revealed.
Meanwhile, Matt Zukowski survived the elimination round and remains safe in the camp for another week, as the competition continues without one of its most beloved and high-profile contestants.
