American-British comedy legend Ruby Wax is creating quite the stir in the Australian jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! at 72 years old. While viewers are divided on her characteristically blunt humour, one thing is unanimously agreed upon: she looks remarkably fresh-faced for her age.
From TV Gold to Ageing Boldly
The iconic comedienne has already delivered several unforgettable moments in camp, from forming an unexpected bond with social media star Angry Ginge to demanding 'room service' and sharing wild celebrity anecdotes, including the time she shared a flight with now-US President Donald Trump.
Yet beyond the entertainment, fans are increasingly fascinated by how the mother-of-three maintains such a youthful appearance well into her seventies. Ruby Wax, awarded an OBE for services to mental health in 2015, has been open about some of her approaches to ageing, though maintains her trademark wit throughout.
The Secrets Behind the Look
Fifteen years ago, in an interview with the Guardian when she was 56, Wax admitted to having had 'tiny bits' of cosmetic surgery. She remarked at the time that procedures had become 'very sophisticated' compared to what was available in 'Joan Rivers's time, in the stone age'.
Beyond this mysterious admission, she has been more specific about other treatments. The star has confessed to having lip enhancement once a year to maintain plumpness and uses a prescription American product to encourage her eyelashes to grow. She also revealed that upon noticing dark circles under her eyes, she had them surgically 'hoiked' almost immediately.
Never one to miss a comedic opportunity, Wax has also humorously credited her 'very wrinkle-free face' to a combination of very expensive moisturiser and her 'good Polish skin', adding that 'wrinkles can be de-wrinkled in minutes thanks to the miracle of dermatology'.
A Complicated Relationship with Ageing
The star's perspective on growing older is complex. She has been vocal about her belief that her television work dried up when she hit 50 due to ageism within the industry. Speaking to Kate Garraway for Life Stories in 2023, she stated plainly that the BBC axed her A-list interview show 'because I turned 50 and that's not allowed'.
In a more recent 2024 interview, she opened up about her general dislike for discussions about ageing, explaining that her own mother's habit of lying about her age made it a source of 'shame' for her. Wax has previously confessed that 'getting old is something that happens to other people, not me' and described ageing as a 'constant battle'.
Today, the Absolutely Fabulous script editor promotes a healthy lifestyle, often sharing her love of cold water swimming on Instagram, which undoubtedly contributes to her vibrant appearance. Just last month, she was spotted looking distinctly younger than her years at a film festival in Dinard, France, before jetting off to join the jungle camp.
I'm A Celebrity continues to air every night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with episodes available for catch-up on ITVX.
