New host Robert Irwin happy with another major change to I’m A Celebrity

The upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! Australia is making a change that won’t leave its new co-host feeling testy.

The new co-host for I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! Australia is happy with a change to an aspect of the reality show.

Although some may think it’s nuts.

Robert Irwin, speaking alongside co-host Julia Morris on The Project on Tuesday night, revealed wildlife meat will no longer be used in eating challenges on the Network 10 program.

A renowned animal conservationist, like his late father Steve, Irwin was asked how he’s going to feel “seeing celebrities snacking on zebra balls,” a reference to past eating challenges involving animal testicles.

New I'm A Celebrity co-host Robert Irwin (right) with Julia Morris revealed on The Project that wildlife meat will no longer be used in the show's production. Picture: Network 10

“This is one of the reasons I was so excited to join the show,” Irwin, 19, said.

“I’m A Celebrity have vowed to cease all use of wildlife in the show. The entire consumptive use of wildlife is done and ceased.

“All of those eating trials all continue, the shock factor is still there, but it’s with sustainably farmed animals – cows, pigs, chickens, things like that.”

“And they’ve all got bags to eat!” added Morris to some laughter.

“We’re forging a new path,” Irwin said, to which Project host Waleed Aly added: “But it’s still a path with balls.”

Robert Irwin replaces Dr Chris Brown as co-host of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Julia Morris.

Robert Irwin is joining Julia Morris as co-host of @ImACelebrityAU, and we find out what advice Julia has given him ahead of going into the jungle and they reveal the special people he'll be bringing along. pic.twitter.com/DyXrWRAzAd

— The Project (@theprojecttv) October 24, 2023

Irwin was confirmed as the shock new host of the 2024 season earlier on Tuesday at 10’s Upfronts, a showcase of programming for the coming year.

Previous co-host, Dr Chris Brown, left Network 10 after 15 years with the broadcaster in February.

No date has been given for the series’ 10th season premiere, which is set in the African jungle and normally airs in the New Year.