Former glamour model Katie Price has had a remarkable career to date, but many of her fans will most likely remember her appearances on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2004 and 2009.
She was part of the original jungle romance the first time, then had a hellish experience when she returned which led to her quitting early.
Having been the only celeb to star in the programme more than once, Katie, 43, had viewers across the country hooked as they finally got to see the pin-up girl in a setting that no one could have ever imagined.
The business mogul’s time in the jungle certainly changed the trajectory of her life as she also found romance in series three with pop singer Peter Andre.
So to celebrate the new series of the iconic reality show taking place in Gwrych Castle, Wales, Daily Star has taken a look at Katie’s time in the Australian I’m A Celeb jungle.
Finding love with Peter Andre
(Image: I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!/Youtube)
While appearing on I’m Celeb in 2004, Katie Price offered fans more than entertainment as she gave viewers a chance to see her blossoming romance with singer Peter Andre.
Katie and Peter had the nation hooked when they entered the Australian jungle and discovered that they may have a romantic interest with one another.
At the time Katie was already in a relationship with Scott Sullivan but confirmed she knew he “wasn’t the one” after she met Mysterious Girl singer Peter.
(Image: I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!/Youtube)
During a rare interview on an I’m A Celebrity’s special last year, the mother-of-five reflected on her romance with the chart-topping sensation while in the jungle.
Katie said: “I was just fixated on Pete. People saw our relationship develop.
“Having Pete there in the jungle did make it easier because you’d fall asleep thinking of him and wake up seeing him there.
“If you haven’t clicked with someone in there, I think it’s quite hard and lonely.”
She added: “It was a proper love story and I think me and Pete are the only ones who had kids come out of it.”
Friendship with Kerry Katona
(Image: Instagram)
Although their relationship wavered throughout the years, business mogul Katie struck up a wholesome connection with former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona while on the 2004 reality show.
Throughout the series, Kerry and Katie were often seen together in the jungle and took part in a few challenges alongside each other.
One of the pair’s most memorable moments on the show was when they took part in a Bushtucker Trial which saw the pair crunch down on large maggots, fish eyes and kangaroo testicles.
Second time in the jungle
(Image: ITV)
Katie Price is the only celeb that has appeared on I’m A Celeb twice as she jetted back into the jungle in 2009.
Commanding a reported fee of £350,000, the reality star arrived in Australia a week later than her campmates who were reportedly being paid around £65,000 each.
Some of the other celebs who also took part in series nine of the popular ITV show were Kim Woodburn, Sam Fox, Lucy Benjamin and George Hamilton.
(Image: ITV / Rex Features)
Speaking to The Sun a friend of one of the contestants reportedly told the newspaper that Katie’s huge payout was out of order.
The friend said: “This really is taking the Mick. We were pushing for more cash but we were told things were tight this year. Now we know why.
“If ITV are looking for trouble in the jungle, they will certainly get it once she turns up.”
Early exit
(Image: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!/Youtube)
While Katie might have been set to earn a nice six-figure sum, she risked losing it all when she walked away from the show.
She was voted to do every single trial by the public during her second stint on the show, smashing some of them while not doing too great at others.
But when Katie was told she would be doing her seventh trial, that time with former boxer Joe Bugner, she decided she’d had enough.
(Image: ITV / Rex Features)
She decided to quit the show after hoping to get the public back on her side after a tough time in the press.
She later said: “I’m not in it to win it, it makes no odds to me.
“I’ve done my challenges, people can see I’m genuine. I just don’t want to be here any more.
“It’s not about the money. I didn’t come back here for that. I really miss my kids.”
Third time lucky
(Image: Katie Price/Instagram)
In 2020 rumours emerged that Katie would’ve loved to return to I’m A Celeb once again as she holds the programme very close to heart.
It was also reported that the Whole New World singer had been hoping to take her partner Carl Woods into Gwrych Castle with her.
However, Katie’s spokesperson quickly denied the claims at the time and said she may not be well enough to appear on the show.
Talking to The Sun last year, the spokesperson said: “I wouldn’t place any bets on her appearing this year!
“Katie in her present capacity would not pass the strict health and safety tests to even qualify for a spot on the show.
“When Katie is fully recovered, she’d love to return and take Carl in there with her – the real Tarzan and Jane of the Jungle!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
