Now it's officially confirmed. And that with the first proof photos: Boy George takes part in the British version of the jungle camp. He is also joined by the first royal on the show, Mike Tindall. There are eight other candidates.
"Do you really want to hurt me?" Boy George wondered when he made it big with Culture Club. And yes, tightening the thumbscrews is sort of part of the concept of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!", the British version of "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!", better known as the jungle camp.
But the 61-year-old singer has to go through with it now. Broadcaster ITV has finally confirmed rumors that he will be part of this year's show, which have been smoldering for weeks. ITV also published photos that show Boy George in the (almost) classic camp outfit: hiking shoes and red outdoor trousers are part of it.
Above all, however, the bird of paradise was allowed to vary the otherwise given uniform look a little. His blue shirt is significantly longer than that of the other candidates. His hat has a few extra fringes. And his olive-colored rain jacket even has a few red dots printed on it.
Mike Tindall is among the other stars trying their luck in the Australian jungle this year. Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall's husband is the first member of the British royal family to take part in the show. In addition, there has not yet been a royal on reality TV during prime time. Tindall's participation in the jungle camp had already become official on Friday after British media spotted him arriving at the airport in Brisbane, Australia.
The other participants in "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" this year are rather less known in this country. They include DJ Chris Moyles, actress Sue Cleaver, comedian Babatúndé Aléshé and ex-soccer player Jill Scott.
ITV also elicited the first statements from the stars about their participation. "It will be three weeks without make-up and three weeks is nothing. I've only been on tour for seven weeks," Boy George seems to think of the jungle camp as a kind of wellness vacation. However, he admits: "My biggest concern is getting scared. I'm not looking forward to the exams. I'll just laugh about it."
Boy George is rumored to be making around €1m for appearing on the show - more money than any other star before him. However, he cites other reasons for his motivation to take part in the format: "I get bored standing in the corner like an icon. If you want to be part of what's happening in the world, television appearances are part of it. This is the biggest TV Show at all. That's why I'm doing it, "explains the singer.
"I watch 'I'm a Celebrity' every year and have thought long and hard about participating. However, I feel like I'm at a very creative point in my life. I'm at a point where I'm rediscovering, what defines me as a person, as an artist and as an older man. And I find that being part of pop culture is very important to me," he adds.
Boy George looks to the future with optimism: "Now that I've made my decision, I don't want to worry about how it could turn out. My intention is that it will be fantastic." Well then: Toi toi toi!
