We don't need to watch the rest - we know who the I'm A Celeb winner is

When you make host Julia Morris cry on the first night, you know you're going to be a fan favourite. 

The 2025 season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! exploded onto our screens last night with all the flair and madness we’ve come to expect.

Hosted by the ever-delightful Julia Morris and wildlife wonder Robert Irwin, the premiere gave us chaos, camaraderie, and a big old dose of heartfelt emotion.

The night kicked off with the introduction of two team captains: comedy legend Dave “Hughesy” Hughes and Olympic superstar Shayna Jack. Their first task? A gooey, gross challenge that saw them blasted with who knows what as they attempted to outwit each other in a series of questions from the hosts. Hughesy emerged triumphant, covered head-to-toe in slime and modest as ever: “I’m unstoppable. Everyone else should just pack it in now… Honestly, why even bother?”

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Once the captains were declared, it was time to meet their teams. Here’s the who’s who of jungle hopefuls in 2025:

Team Hughesy:

• Tik Tok sensation Max Balegde, bringing the energy and the sass.
• Aussie TV royalty Nicky Buckley, looking effortlessly glam even in khaki.
• Big Brother legend Reggie Bird, proving why she’s still Australia’s sweetheart.
• NRL star and dad-joke aficionado Sam Thaiday.
• Married at First Sight alum Samantha Moitzi, ready to swap drama for adventure.

Team Shayna:

• The Bachelor’s Matty Johnson, charming his way into the jungle.
• Comedian Geraldine Hickey, the queen of relatable laughs.
• Love Island star Tina Provis, trading villa life for jungle grit.
• AFL legend Zach Tuohy, whose Irish charm already has us swooning.

The I'm A Celeb contestants and fans rally around Reggie. Image: Channel 10

Let the challenges begin!

With teams assembled, it was straight into their first challenges. While Shayna’s team got their hands dirty - and we mean really dirty - it was clear that one contestant was already winning hearts and stealing the show.

Reggie Bird, on team Dave, is making an early run for Jungle MVP. If you weren’t already head-over-heels for the two-time winner of Big Brother, last night’s episode would’ve done it. She’s not just competing in the South African jungle; she’s doing it with a vision impairment. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that gradually robs a person of their vision, Reggie’s eyesight is severely limited - but her determination? Limitless.

Her first challenge? A terrifying high-beam walk off a cliff to grab a dangling star. Scary, huh? Now, imagine doing that with an intense fear of heights and limited vision.

Reggie conquered her fears in the first 30 mins of the first episode of I'm A Celeb. Image: Channel 10

Clearly terrified, Reggie was shaking, her voice trembling as she admitted, “I can’t see what’s out there. I’ll just have to trust and go for it.” Honestly, at that point, the entire nation was ready to wrap her in a doona and keep her safe forever.

But our Reggie? She stepped onto that beam, heart pounding but unwavering, and inched her way across. With the campmates holding their breath and Julia Morris clutching Robert Irwin’s arm in suspense, Reggie leapt for the star and… nailed it. Cue the kind of jubilation that makes you want to cheer, cry, and hug your kids tight.

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Reggie a clear favourite... again!

Julia Morris was reduced to a puddle of tears. “That’s the bravest thing I’ve ever seen,” she gushed, while furiously dabbing at her eyes. Nicky Buckley joined the waterworks, exclaiming, “Reggie, you’re an inspiration!” Meanwhile, Hughesy, never one to miss a comedic beat, quipped, “Alright, everyone else can go home now. Reggie’s already won. Let’s not waste time.”

Reggie’s magic, as always, lies in her raw honesty, grit, and her down-to-earth Aussie spirit. She’s the kind of person you’d want on your trivia team, at your barbecue, or holding your hand during turbulence. In a world of shiny, polished reality TV personas, Reggie’s authenticity is like a breath of fresh air.

Social media, predictably, erupted. Twitter lit up with messages like, “Reggie for Prime Minister!” and “If Reggie doesn’t win this, we riot.” One particularly passionate fan summed it up: “She’s brave, she’s real, and she’s everything we need in 2025.”

Reggie Bird is a two-time winner of Big Brother. Image: Channel 10

With such a jaw-dropping opening night, it’s hard to imagine how the rest of the season will stack up. But one thing’s certain: Reggie Bird is the heart and soul of this jungle. Whether she’s conquering death-defying challenges or simply being her delightful self around the campfire, she’s already etched her name into the hall of jungle fame.

So buckle up, Australia, there’s more celebrities to come and the jungle antics are just beginning. If last night’s episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride. Go, Reggie, go!

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 We don't need to watch the rest - we know who the I'm A Celeb winner is