Remember Babatunde Aleshe in the jungle? Well, he’s spilled the beans on why he’s absolutely ruling out a return to I’m A Celebrity! Turns out, his time with the critters and challenges actually intensified his biggest phobias. Would you ever go back if your fears got worse?
Comedian and actor Babatunde Aleshe has emphatically stated his disinclination to ever revisit the infamous Australian jungle for ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’. Despite his memorable stint on the popular reality programme, Aleshe revealed that his experience left him with intensified fears, effectively ruling out any potential return to the challenging environment that captivates millions and generates significant celebrity news.
Aleshe, 39, was a prominent contestant in the 2022 series of the much-loved celebrity survival show, ultimately securing a respectable seventh place. That particular season saw former Lioness Jill Scott crowned the Queen of the Jungle, but for Aleshe, the lasting impact was far more personal than placement or victory on this demanding ITV Reality show.
Speaking candidly on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’ on Friday, August 29, the television personality addressed the persistent query from fans regarding a potential second appearance. His unequivocal response – “No!” – underscored a profound change in his relationship with the very reality TV phobias he aimed to conquer. He confessed to being “more scared of spiders and cockroaches and everything I was scared of before I went in.”
This admission highlights a fascinating aspect of the ‘I’m A Celebrity’ journey, where rather than desensitization, some participants find their inherent fears amplified by the extreme conditions and immersive encounters with creepy crawlies. Aleshe’s experience serves as a testament to the psychological intensity of the jungle challenges.
He reflected on his satisfaction with his initial participation, acknowledging the unique opportunity it presented. However, his humorous recollection of a particular height challenge, which he candidly admitted to “bailing out” of, illustrates the formidable nature of the trials. His playful remark, “You can’t tell me, like, oh, I’m scared of heights and then you give me a height challenge?” resonated with many viewers who understand the struggle of confronting deep-seated anxieties, especially on a show like I’m A Celebrity.
The conversation on ‘Lorraine’ also touched upon the potential involvement of fellow celebrity Judi. Aleshe mused on how Judi would navigate the arduous jungle conditions, suggesting her inability to cope would ironically make her “amazing” television. This insight offers a glimpse into the producers’ keen eye for casting individuals whose reactions to adversity provide compelling entertainment for ITV Reality viewers.
Babatunde Aleshe’s definitive stance provides a unique perspective on the aftermath of participating in such a high-stakes reality programme. While many celebrities embrace the possibility of a return, his candid honesty about amplified fears offers a refreshing counter-narrative, proving that the jungle leaves an indelible mark, sometimes in unexpected ways.
The enduring popularity of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ lies in witnessing public figures pushed to their limits, but Aleshe’s revelations underscore that for some, the quest for entertainment comes with a significant personal cost, cementing his decision to remain a one-time jungle explorer, a topic of ongoing celebrity news interest.
