American comedian and actress Ruby Wax is set to enter the I'm A Celebrity camp with her role potentially confirmed as the camp's mental health supporter, according to exclusive reports.
From Stand-Up to Support Role
The 72-year-old star, announced as part of this year's star-studded ITV lineup filming in Australia, brings unique qualifications beyond her television and comedy background. Ruby established the mental health charity Frazzled in 2017, creating safe spaces for people struggling with mental health issues to connect with others.
Her expertise in facilitating supportive conversations could prove invaluable within the challenging jungle environment, where campmates face isolation, hunger, and intense psychological pressure.
Campmates With Shared Struggles
Ruby's arrival comes at a crucial time, with several fellow celebrities having previously opened up about their mental health challenges. Lisa Riley recently discussed undergoing therapy following the tragic loss of her best friend Robin Windsor and her mother.
Meanwhile, Martin Kemp has voiced concerns about his son Roman's mental health campaigning, acknowledging the Spandau Ballet star's worries about the psychological impact of such work on his 32-year-old son.
Breaking Down Mental Health Stigmas
In previous interviews, Ruby has been vocal about mental health awareness, telling the Mirror: "Being mentally ill is a disease. Frazzled is just kind of a cultural condition." She emphasized that depression represents "the most punishing disease on the face of the earth" because sufferers often receive less sympathy than those with physical illnesses.
The comedian revealed that during her shows, audience members frequently share their experiences with both physical and mental health conditions, with many stating they find depression more challenging to manage than other serious health issues.
Ruby's organisation Frazzled aims to dismantle stigma surrounding mental health and create open environments where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles freely.
As the celebrities face the notorious Bushtucker Trials and camp life challenges, Ruby's presence could provide essential emotional support to fellow contestants navigating the psychological demands of the competition.
