Robert Irwin: I'm A Celebrity experience 'exceeded all expectations'

Robert Irwin has reflected on his time on Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! as "one of the most fun and unforgettable times in my life," saying that the project "exceeded all expectations".

Having taken home the award for On-Screen Content – Talent at Mediaweek’s Next of the Best Awards, over the weekend Irwin was named a Gold Logie nominee for the 64th TV Week Logie Awards.

Mediaweek caught up with Irwin to speak about his Next of the Best win and what the industry can expect from him next.

The awards have been judged by an all-star line-up, what does it mean to you to be recognised by this group?

It is such an honour to be recognised amongst some of the best of the best in Australian
entertainment. It means a lot for me and the message that is so intrinsic to what I do.

It’s been a whirlwind year, making your I’m A Celebrity debut. Did the experience in South Africa match up with your expectations?

My I’m a Celeb experience exceeded all expectations! It was one of the most fun and unforgettable times in my life. I certainly felt fortunate to have Julia [Morris] right there showing me the ropes as I found a new passion for hosting. Plus, it took me back to one of my favourite places on earth, South Africa.

How have you found the audience’s response to your first season of I’m A Celebrity?

I’ve been so humbled by the incredibly positive response to this season of I’m a Celebrity. I hoped to bring a little bit of my passion for wildlife and conservation to this season, and it was so meaningful to hear how much audiences enjoyed that. Hopefully, we could create not only some hilarious moments but also showcase the beauty of the African wildlife.

You’ve spoken extensively about conservation being your North Star. How does your on-screen work help with that?

I aim to be a voice for positive change in the environmental space, and having a platform to
spread my message is vital. Trying new projects like I’m a Celebrity means I can reach a whole new audience and that is something truly special.

Being Next of The Best - what can the industry expect next from you?

Watch out world. That’s all I can say!

Seriously though, I hope to try a bit of everything within the industry. I’m keen to take on every new opportunity as it comes. I’ve loved branching out into the live TV world and hosting, and I would really love to continue to do that. I have a real passion for the visual arts, so who knows maybe even acting next! That would be fun.

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Top image: Robert Irwin