Since its launch in 2002, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has become an iconic part of British television culture. It's transported a host of celebrities to the Australian wilderness and provided viewers with countless memorable moments.
Remember Gillian McKeith's infamous fainting episode during a live trial? Or Anthony Worrall Thompson's sit-in over the lacklustre camp meals?
And who could overlook Gemma Collins' short but unforgettable stint that lasted just 72 hours?
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For more than two decades, this show has been a must-watch.
Yet, amidst the entertainment, there have been times of sadness as we've said goodbye to some cherished contestants. We take a moment to honour those from I'm A Celeb who have sadly passed away.
Bobby Ball
Bobby Ball became an audience favourite with his comical jungle catwalk in a vibrant pink catsuit back in 2005. Known for his roles on shows like Not Going Out, Bobby finished in fifth place.
Sadly, he passed away in October 2020 at the age of 76 due to complications from Covid at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. "At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19," the Express reported.
The news shook the entertainment industry, and Tommy Cannon, his comedy partner for many years, was left heartbroken: "Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated," he commented at the time.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, the famed socialite who sadly passed away in her sleep due to a perforated ulcer in February 2017 at the young age of 45, is often remembered for her renowned appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2002.
She made an unforgettable beeline to Ant and Dec's studio during her stint on the show, which led her to make a candid admission in her exit interview: "I just thought, 'What am I doing here, I seem to be irritating people, and I don't have that much confidence in myself'. It was a combination of so many things, I just thought - go! " Paying a touching tribute following her death, her sister Santa Montefiore shared her eulogy for Tara on Facebook and Twitter, penning, "I know that Tara is here with us today in spirit, so I'm going to address this to her," it stated.
"My darling Tara. I hope you know how much we miss you. From the moment you were born we were a family of five, but now we are four and that just isn't right."
David Gest
Music producer David Gest, also familiar from his appearances on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2006 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, tragically died soon after his appearance on the latter, owing to health complications. He was discovered deceased in April 2016 in an upscale hotel in Canary Wharf, with his death being ruled as "non-suspicious".
David's close pal Imad Handi paid tribute to him as "larger than life" acknowledging the deep sense of loss felt by countless admirers worldwide, particularly in Britain where his wit and charm had won many hearts.
"I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners," Handi said.
"If I may steal the words of one eminent critic, David was a natural star and a genuine celebrity. I will miss him desperately," shared Eric Bristow, reflecting on his friend with profound sadness.
Eric Bristow
Darts legend Eric Bristow, who famously finished fourth on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2012, is still fondly remembered for his straightforward manner and memorable jungle moments, including his candid clash with soap actress Helen Flanagan. During a frank discussion about skincare, Helen revealed her unusual practice of melting ice lollies and drinking them, which led to Eric's blunt comment: "That's what done your skin, all that sh** you're eating."
Sadly, Eric died in 2019 at just 60 years old. Eric collapsed and passed away at a high-profile event at Liverpool's Echo Arena only six years later.
His partner Bex spoke out about his untimely death, saying: "It was literally a heart attack." Bex added: "There was a small clot in Eric's heart valve and he was dead before he hit the floor."
Freddie Starr
Looking back at jungle controversies, Freddie Starr's stint on the show was filled with drama. His time on the 2011 series was cut short as showrunners worried that he "might die" during filming.
Following a heart attack the previous year, Freddie collapsed during a live challenge and was rushed to the hospital, where medics concluded that he had suffered an allergic reaction, though the cause of it remained unclear. Freddie passed away in May 2019, aged 76, at his home in Spain.
A post-mortem examination determined that his death was due to ischemic heart disease, with the coroner ruling that it was a "result of a natural process".
Annabel Giles
The glamourous world of show business was left in mourning in November 2023, as former model and TV host Annabel Giles passed away at 64 in a hospital in Brighton and Hove.
Annabel, known for her appearances on ITV's Razzmatazz and her bestselling novels, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour just months before her death. Annabel appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2013, joining the show late and ultimately finishing last.
Her children have paid tribute to her on social media, saying: "Mum was truly one of a kind, an enigma to those privileged to share her life. True to her nature, she kept spirits high and maintained her quick wit until the very end."
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