Redefining fatherhood: Matty J’s candid conversation on changing gender roles

As traditional parenting roles evolve, the former Bachelor calls for a shift in how we value dads who take the lead at home.

If I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! does one thing well (besides making celebrities eat questionable jungle cuisine), it’s giving them space to open up about real-life struggles. And last night, former Bachelor Matty 'J' Johnson got candid about a topic plenty of Australian parents will relate to: the challenge of adjusting when traditional family roles are flipped.

During a jungle chat on last night's episode with campmate Tina Provis, 28, Matty reflected on how things shifted when 38yo Laura Byrne’s career skyrocketed, and his own work opportunities slowed down.

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Image: Channel 10.

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"People would come up and ask for a photo with her”

Like many industries, the pandemic brought major disruptions - including to Matty’s work. He lost his beloved travel hosting role with Luxury Escapes, while Laura’s jewellery business, ToniMay, and her wildly popular podcast, Life Uncut, continued to thrive.

“It was lucky because Laura was still so busy during COVID that I kind of then slotted into more of an involved parent,” Matty shared.

While he was proud to take on that role, he also admitted that it came with some unexpected feelings - particularly around his own sense of value.

“When Laura did the podcast, people would come up and ask for a photo with her,” he said. “First and foremost, I’m so proud of Laura because she’s getting recognition for what she’s doing. But then there are voices in your head, like ‘you should be getting recognition too.’”

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Challenging traditional gender norms

Matty’s honesty taps into a conversation many couples are having. Once upon a time, men were expected to be the primary providers, and women took on the bulk of childcare. But in today’s world, more families are embracing a fluid division of responsibilities - whether out of choice, necessity, or both.

But just because things are changing doesn’t mean the shift is always easy. For Matty, the challenge wasn’t just about taking on more of the parenting duties - it was also about confronting those ingrained societal ideas of masculinity and self-worth.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, I should be the one making the money. Why am I at the supermarket buying groceries? I’m weak for doing that,’” he reflected.

His openness is a reminder that the contributions made at home - whether by dads or mums - are just as important as financial ones. The work may not come with a salary or applause, but it is the backbone of a family.

“It took me a long time to really to acknowledge the work I was doing at home with the kids, with the family,” said the father of two. “It is this stupid old ideology that men should be out there earning an income and a woman should be at home looking after the house.

“I’m hoping that the next generation coming through can stop thinking in that way, because that narrative is just so faded now.”

A partnership built on mutual support

Despite the challenges, Matty and Laura’s relationship remains one built on mutual admiration, respect, and support. They’ve navigated public life, parenthood, and career shifts with a mix of grace, honesty, and humour - proving that making a relationship work isn’t about who earns more or who changes more nappies, but about having each other’s backs.

As Matty continues his adventure in the jungle, his reflections are a timely reminder that there’s no single way to define success in a family. His story encourages us to question outdated norms, embrace change, and, most importantly, champion our partners in all their successes - whether that’s at work, at home, or, in Matty’s case, even deep in the jungle.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! airs Sundays at 7 and Monday - Thursday at 7.30 on 10 and 10 Play

Originally published as Redefining fatherhood: Matty J’s candid conversation on changing gender roles