Grab your bug spray and buckle up, Australia, because I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! stormed back onto screens today—and it’s already a ratings juggernaut! Network Ten’s jungle extravaganza kicked off Season 11 with a premiere so wild it’s left the nation buzzing, breaking viewership records and proving Aussies can’t get enough of their stars swapping red carpets for creepy crawlies. Hosted by the ever-charming Julia Morris and Chris Brown, this year’s South African bush bash is serving chaos, laughs, and a whole lotta star power—and we’re here for every scream-inducing second.
The numbers don’t lie: today’s premiere snagged the highest opening-night audience in years, with Ten crowing about a jaw-dropping 1.8 million viewers tuning in across the country. That’s right—more Aussies watched comedian Dave Hughes gag on a witchetty grub than tuned into last week’s cricket final. “It’s a monster hit,” a network exec gushed to The Herald Sun. “The jungle’s never been hotter!” And with a lineup featuring Hughes, radio queen Jackie O Henderson, and Olympic swimmer-turned-TV-darling Ian Thorpe, it’s no wonder the nation’s glued to their tellies.
The premiere didn’t hold back, either. From the jump, it was pure jungle madness—think celebs dangling from helicopters, shrieking through snake-infested tunnels, and chowing down on critters that’d make Bear Grylls blush. Dave Hughes, the larrikin we all love, set the tone early, dry-heaving through a “Bush Tucker Trial” that involved a bull’s tongue smoothie. “I’ve had worse gigs,” he deadpanned, wiping goo off his beard, while Julia Morris cackled like the national treasure she is. Meanwhile, Jackie O’s dramatic “I’m not built for this!” meltdown had X lighting up with memes faster than you can say “ratings gold.”
The vibe? Unhinged Aussie chaos meets Hollywood-worthy drama. Ian Thorpe, all bronzed and stoic, powered through a heights challenge like the Olympian he is, only to crack a rare grin when Chris Brown dubbed him “Thorpey the Tarzan.” Then there’s MAFS alum Domenica Calarco, who’s already stirring the pot with camp confessions that’ve got tabloids salivating. “This is bigger than Bondi,” one X user raved, while another declared, “Season 11’s premiere just cured my Monday blues!”
Network Ten’s playing it smart, too—teasing a “secret celebrity” drop-in later this week that’s got fans speculating. Hugh Jackman? Rebel Wilson? The ghost of Steve Irwin? (Okay, maybe not that last one.) Whatever’s coming, today’s launch proved the formula’s still fire: take a bunch of famous faces, dump ’em in the wild, and watch the magic unfold. “It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s bloody hilarious,” Chris Brown told reporters post-show, still grinning from ear to ear.
Social media’s a jungle of its own, with #ImACelebAU trending nationwide. “Dave Hughes eating that grub is my new religion,” one fan tweeted, while another praised, “Jackie O screaming at a spider—iconic Aussie energy!” The premiere’s record-breaking haul—up 15% from last year’s debut—cements its status as a cultural juggernaut, outpacing rivals and giving Ten bragging rights for months.
So, what’s next? More trials, more tantrums, and a whole lotta bonding over campfire confessions. With the South African sun beating down and the critters creeping in, Season 11’s just getting started—and if today’s anything to go by, Australia’s in for a ripper of a ride. Grab your popcorn (or a protein bar—no grubs required), because this jungle’s about to get even wilder. Who’ll crack, who’ll conquer, and who’ll nab the crown? Stay tuned, mates—it’s a bloody beauty!