Tonight, one of Australia’s most beloved actresses, Sigrid Thornton, is set to trade the bright lights of the screen for the unpredictable jungle as she joins the cast of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Known for her iconic roles in The Man from Snowy River, both the original and rebooted versions of SeaChange, Wentworth, and Amazing Grace, Thornton has become a staple of Australian television, captivating audiences across drama and adventure. This marks Sigrid Thornton’s first reality TV appearance, with clues hinting at her participation, including references to her "mega movie star" status and co-host Robert Irwin teasing, "She normally prefers the river to the jungle, but there’s nothing like a change." This led many to suspect she might be the one heading to the jungle.
Ahead of her entry, Sigrid expressed her feelings about joining the show, describing her arrival in South Africa as surreal, much like stepping onto the set of The Twilight Zone. She conveyed her excitement about meeting the group and embarking on this wild adventure. Thornton will be joining a diverse group of celebrities already in the jungle, including two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Bird, former NRL player Sam Thaiday, television host Nicky Buckley, comedian Dave Hughes, and Harrison Reid from Bondi Rescue.
Reflecting on why she accepted the challenge, Thornton told Adelaide Now, "I thought: well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I really do like to keep myself guessing." She elaborated, noting, "I like to find out what I’m capable of in an uncomfortable setting. I think it's fascinating, this social experiment." Yet, the beloved star also tempered expectations, predicting, "By day three, I'll probably be saying, 'What the hell was I thinking?' That said, I'm going in with my eyes wide open." She emphasized her desire to take on the challenge with openness and to embrace new experiences wholly.
Unlike many of her peers, this will be Thornton's first foray outside scripted television. For over five decades, she has graced the screens of several Australian institutions. Her accolades include multiple performances across various genres and formats, including theatre, film, and the small screen. With her entry strategically planned after some initial reveals by producers, many fans had speculated about her involvement for weeks.
Thornton has personal motivations driving her participation beyond merely facing fears and stepping outside her comfort zone. She wants to raise funds for Alzheimer's Australia, following her mother's passing from the disease last year. "My career decisions tend to be made fairly instinctively, and it seemed like there were quite a few things pointing me toward this direction," she shared with news.com.au.
She drew inspiration from her friend as well; previous contestant Debra Lawrance described her stint on I’m A Celebrity... as "life-enhancing." Thornton echoed this sentiment, saying, "I want to live a rich and full life. It's extraordinary, and I think it could potentially be wonderful for me." This balanced perspective will surely serve her well as she faces the show's various challenges.
With the show set to continue to air Sunday nights at 7:00 PM, and Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM, fans will be eagerly anticipating Thornton's entrance and how she will fare when faced with the demanding trials, lack of food, and exciting celebrity personalities who will be ready to welcome her.
Critical responses to the cast's composition pointed to varying degrees of public interest, with Thornton's introduction being viewed as potentially rectifying earlier criticisms about star power. Among various assessments, producer marketing around her involvement emphasized her legacy and established fan base, aiming to capture viewership through her impressive career.
Her entry tonight not only signifies her thrilling leap from scripted acting to reality but also reflects on larger themes of vulnerability, adventure, and personal challenge. Thornton’s participation invites viewers to stay tuned and witness her navigate this unpredictable reality genre; she is just as likely to engage with the grueling challenges facing her as savoring moments of camaraderie with her campmates.
Indeed, the crossroad seen here raises broader questions about reality TV's role for traditional actors and the opportunities it brings for personal growth and philanthropic endeavors. The jungle awaits, and there's no telling what has become of this beloved actress turned reality star.