Ruby Wax is heading into the I'm A Celebrity jungle, and her role in camp may already be clear. The 72-year-old American comedian, known for her stand-up and TV career, has been named among this year's ITV cast in Australia.
Her work away from the spotlight could prove key in the demanding environment. Wax founded Frazzled in 2017, a charity providing a safe, supportive space for those struggling with mental health. That skillset may be invaluable alongside campmates who have openly discussed their own difficulties.
Wax previously told the Mirror about the harsh reality of depression. 'I talk about how it is the most punishing disease on the face of the earth,' she said. 'People will stand up and say, I have cancer and depression. I ask, which one's worse? They always say the depression, because you get no sympathy. People think you made it up. Your personality is gone.' She added: 'Being mentally ill is a disease. Frazzled is just a cultural condition.'
Her hope is to break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversation. That could be particularly helpful given several of this year's campmates have shared personal struggles. Lisa Riley, for example, has spoken about therapy after losing her friend Robin Windsor, who died in February 2024. Riley said she had never had therapy until losing Robin, followed by her aunt just two and a half months later.
Martin Kemp has also been candid about mental health, voicing concerns for his son Roman, who has described feeling 'trapped' by depression and revealed he once came close to attempting suicide. Speaking on a podcast, Martin told Roman: 'I worry about you doing this. When you talk about things so much, it could come down heavily on your psychological health.'
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
