Comedian Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes has officially joined the cast of the much-anticipated reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which premiered on January 19, 2025, bringing excitement and mixed reactions from audiences across Australia.
Known for his sharp wit and humor, Hughesy entered the jungle as the latest star to participate in the 11th season of the show, which has seen countless celebrities tackle challenges and face their fears. Hughes is celebrated for his unique brand of distinctly Aussie comedy, making him one of the most recognized figures on Australian television and radio.
After wrapping up his Hit Network 2Day FM breakfast radio show alongside Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan last year, Hughes expressed his eagerness for new opportunities. He’s also set to showcase his comedic talent on the upcoming fourth season of Taskmaster Australia. But for now, the jungle is where Hughes is gearing up to bring laughs and entertainment.
Hughes admitted his decision to join the series came as somewhat of a surprise to him. Upon arriving, he candidly shared, “I cannot believe I have agreed to do this. I want to cry. I'm pretty sure I have no jungle skills at all.” His candid nature and self-deprecatory humor seem set to provide good entertainment for both the contestants and the viewing audience.
His participation is not just about the stunts and challenges; it offers Hughes the chance to reconnect with audiences post-radio. He stated, “If you live in Australia and you don't know me, I don't believe you. You do know me. I am a god.” While this statement might come off as brash, it reflects Hughes's confident personality, which has made him endearing to many fans.
Hughes is not alone, as he will be joined by fellow contestants, including former NRL star Sam Thaiday, who has also made headlines for his athletic achievements. Thaiday is recognized for his distinguished career with the Brisbane Broncos, where he played over 300 games. His experience and competitive spirit will surely spice things up inside the camp.
Alongside Hughes and Thaiday, Matty J from The Bachelor and two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Bird add star power to the mix. Each brings unique perspectives and talents, setting the stage for intriguing dynamics and camaraderie.
Interestingly, Hughes’s entrance generated mixed reactions on social media, with some viewers expressing their frustration. One user tweeted, “Imagine being stuck in the jungle with Dave Hughes,” reflecting some negativity aimed at the comedian. Another remarked, “The most annoying person alive aka Dave Hughes,” indicating he may face challenges beyond just the jungle environment.
Despite the criticism, Hughes’s long-standing career spans stand-up comedy, podcasts, television appearances, and more. His comedic roots run deep, and he’s familiar to audiences from shows like The Project and The Masked Singer Australia. Hughes’s arrival on I’m A Celebrity is another attempt to reinvent himself after his radio show's cancellation due to low ratings and “commitment issues.”
Describing his past year, Hughes expressed relief at departing from commercial radio. “I am very happy not to be on commercial radio this year,” he said. The comedian revealed, “To be honest, I am sick to death of the songs. I don’t want to hear the same seven songs every morning for the rest of my life.” His candid remarks hint at his desire for challenges beyond the mundane and routine, which is exactly what the jungle promises.
He also reflected on his commute struggles between Melbourne and Sydney for the radio gig. “I was basically pretending to live in Sydney for three and half years,” he confessed, highlighting the exhaustion from the constant travel. His commitment to balancing family life along with his career undoubtedly influenced his decision to seek out something fresh and exhilarating.
For fans of Hughes, the jungle adventure is either a chance to witness their favorite comedian tackle his fears or endure moments of frustration as viewers navigate through his distinct personality traits. “It's going to be tough to watch with Hughesy in there,” speculated one viewer, hinting at the anticipation and skepticism surrounding his participation.
Overall, Dave Hughes's entry to the South African jungle marks the beginning of another adventure for this beloved comedian. Whether he becomes the show's comedic relief or the center of all drama, one thing is for sure: his infectious personality will keep audiences widespread engaged as the season progresses.
With the promise of laughter, challenges, and unexpected twists, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is off to another thrilling start. Hughes's unique charm is sure to entertain, and the viewer engagement will be as intense as the challenges presented within the jungle. Only time will reveal how Hughes manages to navigate his new reality and what lasting effects this stint will have on his illustrious career.