One-time Queen of the Jungle Scarlett Moffatt is back as co-host of I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp this year. Here, she reflects on her time in the jungle and has tips for this year's campmates...
As I'm a Celebrity continues, Extra Camp host Scarlett Moffatt talks sisterhood, smuggling and success…
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2016, last year Scarlett Moffatt landed the job of co-hosting I’m a Celebrity’s sister show Extra Camp, alongside Joe Swash and Joel Dommett (pictured below).
With the trio back on our screens once again with their lively blend of fun, games and behind-the-scenes gossip, it's safe to say Scarlett's come a long way since her TV debut on C4's Gogglebox.
Here, the likeable Geordie, 28, advises this year's campmates on how they can go the distance and reflects on what life’s been like since winning the jungle show…
We love seeing you back hosting Extra Camp alongside Joe Swash and Joel Dommett. Does it feel like work?
Scarlett Moffatt: "Yes! Because of the time difference, it’s like a 10-hour night shift. I’ve done that before when I worked at ASDA. This is harder than ASDA. It’s more mentally tiring because you have to think of new and funny things. I really like doing the interviews on this show. I often have to play devil’s advocate – although we all have our own opinions you can’t voice them too much."
Are you pleased to have Holly Willoughby on the main show this series?
SM: "Yes. I’m thrilled Holly’s here because both shows are very testosterone-heavy, so I’m pleased there’s another lady on board. Holly is literally scared of everything, so it’s fun to see her involved in that. Holly’s been on TV as long as I remember and is a proper professional. We all miss Ant though."
You won the show in 2016. What did you learn about yourself during your time in the jungle?
SM: "The trials make you realise just how strong you are. I remember when I fell in the water during the canoe challenge at the start and Larry Lamb had to save me. Me mam said when she read that in the papers she thought: ‘Oh God, she hasn’t even got in yet and she’s had to be rescued.’ Before I went in she told me: ‘Don’t say “I’m a Celebrity…” straight away, just try. And then you’ll feel brilliant.’"
What makes someone popular with their campmates?
SM: "I’m not telling them to cheat but they should definitely try to smuggle in some condiments. In my year, I put salt and pepper in my bra not realising I’d have to do the canoe challenge, so when I came out of the lake it was all soggy! So it was a good idea but a complete waste of time."
Who would be your ideal campmate?
SM: "I want to see Jane McDonald in there. I love Jane McDonald, so that would be my dream. She’d be on her hammock singing, make everything cheery and talk about cruising. I really want her to go in."
What’s the key to winning this show?
SM: "You’ve got to be yourself. The cameras are on you all of the time. I can’t even imagine trying to be someone else for three whole weeks."
You’ve done so much since winning the show, including a presenting stint on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Are you pleased with how your TV career is going?
"To be honest, I never wanted to get into telly – I initially went to uni to become a primary school teacher. Being up North, you don’t ever think TV work is within your reach. But then I did Gogglebox for two years and then started doing radio and I thought, actually, I really like this presenting stuff. Then I got the chance to go into the jungle and I thought the only way for me to not be seen as a reality TV person is to do a reality show. That’s when people get to see your personality and luckily they thought I was alright!"
What’s the best thing about your job?
"For me, it’s being able to take my family places. For New Year, I’m taking my family to Hong Kong. We went on a couple of holidays abroad when I was a kid but mostly it was just Pontins or Butlins holiday camps, so to be able to do that is amazing. My Nanna came out to Australia last year. She kept saying to me: ‘You know in my lifetime I’m never going to go to Australia. I’m probably going to die and never have been’. So I was like: ‘Do you want to come, Nan?’ How could I not take her?"
I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp airs weeknights on ITV2. Times vary.
