Former Bundy newsreader hits the air on reality TV show

NATASHA Exelby won't have to worry about being on for the cameras in her latest TV role.

Former newsreader Natasha Exelby is one of 12 celebrities heading into the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Supplied by Channel 10.

NATASHA Exelby won't have to worry about being on for the cameras in her latest TV role.

The former ABC newsreader and breakfast TV host, who made headlines nearly two years ago for her hilarious on-air blooper, is one of 12 famous faces who checked in to the jungle last night (Sunday Jan 13) in the season premiere of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

Ms Exelby got her start with Channel 7 in Bundaberg and covered her first major story here, exposing Dr Jayant Patel and the political fallout which followed.

The former political reporter should have plenty to talk about with her new jungle camp mates, which include former politicians Jacqui Lambie and Sam Dastyari.

"Every camp needs a villain and I hope I'm not the villain," she said.

"I grew up in a house with three older brothers so I learned how to speak loud from an early age, but I've also been living on my own for more than 10 years and sharing isn't an issue. I suspect I have bad habits I don't even know I have."

She believes her two biggest hurdles will be any challenges involving heights and sugar withdrawals.

"I've always had a phobia of heights and I don't just mean bungee jumping. I feel uncomfortable leaning on the balcony of a tall building," she said. "I also eat chocolate every day so this will be a sugar detox for me."

The journalist hopes to show viewers the lighter side of her personality.

"I've always had a fun side and the thing I like about the show is it's fun," she said.

"Being on TV and walking the tightrope between being professional but also honest is something I've been doing my entire career.

"The biggest goal in this whole thing is to prove that you can be a professional and an intelligent person while also not taking yourself too seriously."

She also hopes to impress her biggest fan, eight-year-old nephew Jackson.

"He is an epic fan of the show. I asked him 'What do you like about the show?' and he said 'I like that people face their fears and overcome them'," she said. "If that's the message we're giving to kids then that's great."

I'm A Celebrity airs Sunday through Thursday at 7.30pm on Ten.