“I’m A Celeb” Winner Richard Reid Spills The Tea On Life In The Jungle
After six weeks in the African jungle, gossip guru and entertainment reporter Richard Reid was crowned king of the jungle in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! last night.
There’s no doubting Richard captured the hearts of Australia with his positive energy, secret insider tidbits of celeb information, and his overall compassion for this other campmates.
A very special message from our newly elected King of the Jungle ? #KingRichard #ImACelebrityAU @RReidsHollywood pic.twitter.com/2E1sXlvopj
— #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) February 17, 2019
From striking up a close bond with the divisive Justin Lacko, to keeping his fellow campmates laughing and in high spirits, Richard’s influence on jungle life was an absolute joy to watch.
We chatted to the newly crowned jungle king about his time on I’m A Celeb.
On the jungle diet & the first thing he ate when he got out:
“I’ve always wanted to lose like 5 kilos, not 14! All the men’s magazines I’ve bought over the years like, ‘how to lost 10 kilos in 10 days’, well they never just said eat rice and beans and that’s how you do it, I would have just done it a long time ago.
I did have some chicken schnitzel and some fries, and a chocolate brownie and I was like OH MY GOD I am so full, I will not eat for at least 10 hours!”
On the other celebs:
“I just adored Angie so much. We were just instant sisters in a way. She always said she’s a gay man trapped in a girl’s body and everyone knows I’m a 15-year-old girl on the inside so we really just got along well.
It was just a pleasure getting to know the real Justin. I honestly feel the other campmates will be sorry they didn’t get to know Justin a bit better. Down deep he’s a really good guy with a big heart, it just takes a little longer to get to know him.”
On his friendship with Justin:
“Once I made it clear to Justin that he needed to let me talk for once in a while, it was good. But it definitely took some effort. I don’t think Justin has a lot of people in life who are going to tell it like it is, and for him to actually not interrupt, I think it was monumental growth for him. He turned out to be a real top bloke, and he brought home the stars every single time and he kept me fed!”
On the worst challenge:
“Without a doubt being electrocuted. That was torture! Not once, but twice. That was really shocking, and yes the pun is intended! I couldn’t believe it. My other campmates were like ‘were you putting on that scream?’ and I was like NO, it hurt BAD!”
On his favourite part of being in the jungle:
“Really getting to know my campmates – I let my guard down in a way that I haven’t for a really long time. I’m not the most trusting of people and you know, showbiz and Hollywood and the entertainment industry can be a little backstabbing. So you have to have a thick skin. I was able to let my guard down and I think I was good for the other celebs because I do have thick skin and I think people could tell I was very well-intended and not malicious in any way.”
And on who he’d pick if an apocalypse hit and he could choose two campmates to ride it out with:
“I would pick Justine because she’s a fabulous cook and good value, and I’d take Justin because he could help me with my hair!”