Tom Read Wilson, best known from Celebs Go Dating, is gearing up to join the I’m a Celebrity jungle with equal parts excitement and fear. The 39-year-old admits he has “never been so frightened” as he prepares for the challenges ahead, especially the strict ban on champagne—a tipple he typically reserves just for weekends.
“I do have a penchant for champagne,” Tom explains. “As it is quite a naughty tipple, I usually confine it to the weekend. So a week without it will feel very long.” His upcoming campmates include rapper Aitch, whom Tom describes as “fascinating” and praises for his lyrical dexterity, comparing the artist’s wordplay to Shakespearean innovation. “I love new coinings, which is why I’m mad about Shakespeare,” he says. “Rap, in my eyes, is modern poetry—I wish I could do it.”
Despite the stark differences between him and other contestants, Tom believes creative passion can form bonds in the camp. “No matter how divergent your tastes are, shared feelings about the arts bring people together,” he says. Yet beneath his composed demeanor lies genuine apprehension. “I am terrified. I don’t think I’ve ever been so frightened,” he confesses.
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Tom’s fear swelled until a chance conversation with a taxi driver named Abdi helped put it into perspective. Without knowing the details of Tom’s upcoming challenge, Abdi offered a powerful metaphor: climbing a tree might seem daunting at first, but once you find a foothold and a sturdy branch, you ascend almost effortlessly. This insight has given Tom fresh confidence, helping him face the unknown.
In addition to the alcohol ban, Tom is bracing for the limited jungle diet, which mainly consists of rice and sparse meals. Thankfully, his experience with intermittent fasting means he’s somewhat prepared, noting, “I don’t get hungry now until 2 pm.” He hopes to bring some positive energy to the camp, especially as a latecomer entering when others are already fatigued and food-deprived. “It’s important to be a warm zephyr for the group,” he remarks.
Tom is also looking forward to meeting Ruby Wax, whose work on Absolutely Fabulous has long inspired him. He admits to feeling both excited and nervous about encountering a personal hero but is eager to learn from her insights, especially on topics like Jungian psychology.
Leaving behind his family is the hardest part of the experience. “I have five godchildren and three nephews I keep in close touch with. That’s going to be a real wrench,” he says.
To prepare for the physical and mental challenges, Tom has taken advice from friends like Roman Kemp, who warned him to wean off coffee days before entering the jungle to avoid withdrawal headaches. With determination and a philosophical mindset, Tom Read Wilson is ready to tackle the jungle’s trials—alcohol-free and full of courage.