Television personality Kelly Brook has issued an emotional plea to viewers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, asking for acceptance regarding her body after facing online abuse about her appearance.
Heartfelt appeal to viewers
The former model spoke out ahead of her anticipated appearance in the iconic Jungle shower, addressing cruel remarks made about her figure following her arrival at Brisbane airport last Sunday. Brook directly asked audiences to be "accepting" of how she looks now, rather than comparing her to her younger modelling days.
"Obviously, I am not a 20-year-old bikini model anymore," the 46-year-old explained. "You know, life changes and your body changes. And I just hope people are accepting of me and how I look now, and not comparing me to how I used to look."
Despite the criticism, Brook emphasised her confidence and fitness, revealing she had recently run a marathon. "I am older, but I am still strong and I am still fit, and that is the most important thing. I feel really confident. I feel like my body is in good shape. I just feel great."
History of body criticism
This isn't the first time Brook has faced commentary about her figure. She has repeatedly been forced to respond to criticism over the years, consistently defending her natural curves. When online trolls previously described her as "too big", she firmly responded: "I'm a healthy size 12. I'm not apologising for having boobs and a bum."
The media personality has always maintained pride in her physique, previously stating: "I've always been a curvy girl and I'm proud of that." Her current stance reflects a mature acceptance of her body's natural evolution, with her declaring: "I am 46, I embrace my curves. I embrace my body."
Preparing for jungle challenges
Brook comes prepared for the famous Jungle Shower scenes, having packed "plenty of swimsuits" for her stay. She even received advice from Myleene Klass, whose 2006 white bikini moment became iconic television history.
"Yes, Myleene did talk to me about the shower," Brook revealed. "She said that when she arrived she did not actually have a swimsuit that was appropriate for the television... so she actually had to run out and get something." However, Brook acknowledged that recreating such iconic moments isn't something that can be forced, describing Klass's moment as "fate that was meant to be".
While ready to face the shower challenge, Brook admits the cold water will limit her time there. "The showers are freezing so I will be in and out very quickly," she explained practically.
Personal challenges ahead
The television personality confesses that being separated from her husband Jeremy Parisi, 40, will be the most difficult aspect of her jungle adventure. The couple have been together for ten years and were notable participants in the BBC's Race Across the World.
"That is what is really quite frightening," she admitted. "We have been together 10 years... we do pretty much everything together." Their close partnership during the travel programme actually prompted Brook to question her independence, leading her to accept the I'm A Celebrity challenge as a personal test.
Interestingly, Brook expresses more concern about how her husband will cope in her absence than about her own jungle survival. "I am actually more worried about him being at home alone... I did not freeze any little meals for Jeremy, and he will probably be living on takeaways," she shared. Fortunately, they've arranged for his mother to provide support during her absence.
Seeking advice from previous contestants
Brook discreetly consulted several friends who had previously appeared on the programme, including Oti Mabuse, Jane Moore, and Chris Moyles. All provided positive feedback about the experience, describing it as "life-changing" and "one of the best things they have ever done".
Chris Moyles offered particularly surprising advice, suggesting she "make sure you can sneak in a microwave". Meanwhile, her Loose Women colleague Jane Moore recommended staying occupied with camp chores, noting that cleaning "really passes the time".
Like all contestants, Brook has specific anxieties about jungle life. She's heard worrying stories about spiders gathering in the "dunny" (toilet area) when it rains, and was particularly disturbed by Jane Moore's experience with a leech that "lived off her breast all night".
Facing new challenges
Despite her extensive experience in television and global travel, Brook insists nothing compares to this new adventure. "I have never, ever been in the middle of a jungle, sleeping under the stars," she confessed. "I think it is going to be probably the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life."
Among the potential difficulties she anticipates are early mornings and withdrawal from certain comforts. "I am not great in the mornings, and not having sugar, salt, coffee... that is going to be the biggest test," she acknowledged, revealing she had intended to "wean myself off the coffee in Australia" but hadn't managed to do so beforehand.
Brook will celebrate her 47th birthday while in camp, but enjoyed an early celebration with Heart Radio colleagues before departing. "We had some drinks, and I got gifted a beautiful cake of my face, which was hilarious," she shared.
The new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here begins on Sunday evening on ITV, featuring Ant and Dec returning as hosts. Other contestants include Angry Ginge, Jack Osbourne, Martin Kemp, Lisa Riley, Aitch, Alex Scott, Eddie Kadi, Shona McGarty and Ruby Wax.
