Evicted I’m A Celeb star Maria Thattil discusses sexuality on Kyle and Jackie O

Recently eliminated I’m A Celeb star Maria Thattil has opened up about her sexuality and fling with Joey Essex in a candid live radio chat.

Recently evicted I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Maria Thattil has addressed her fleeting jungle romance with British reality star Joey Essex, saying he provided “comfort” during long hours of filming.

The 28-year-old model, who opened up about dating both men and women earlier this month, told Kyle and Jackie O this morning that the brief romance came about because she was “bored”.

Thattil, who left the show last night, went on to discuss her sexuality. When asked whether she had a “preference” between men and women, she joked: “Guys I’m horny for who I’m horny for. There’s not much I can say!”

The former Miss Universe snuggled up in bed with Joey Essex in an episode last week.

She went on: “I always had crushes on women, always appreciated them.

“I actually came out to my ex while we were in a relationship a couple of years ago, it was a monogamous relationship so I didn’t act on it, and when that ended I was able to explore it and that’s when it became a thing for me.

“I thought I was never going to be able to own it … it’s been incredibly liberating,” she said.

Maria is out of the jungle and back to her glamorous lifestyle, recently pictured at the Australian Open.

Last week, things between Thattil and The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex appeared to heat up when the pair snuggled up in bed together, pulling the covers over their heads for more privacy.

Addressing their chemistry in her exit interview, Thattil told Dr Chris they were “friends”.

“Joey and I are friends, we’re friends. We’re flirty friends, and we agreed that the jungle under the microscope, it was just pushing things a little bit.”

The social media influencer hinted there was hope for the pair on the outside.

“You never know, you never know. So we’ll just wait and see,” she said.

Speaking on radio this morning, the reality star was a little more forthcoming.

“Joey was absolutely delightful, and when you’re in there, you’re a little bit bored … The physical affection, the flirting, it made everything easier in there.

“Not everything has to be a long-term thing, he doesn’t have to be my husband,” she said.

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! continues tonight from 7.30pm tonight on Channel 10