Quick Read
- Cyrell Paule and Matt Zukowski joined ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 2026’ as late additions.
- The 2026 season premiered with its strongest ratings in three years, drawing 925,000 national overnight viewers.
- Cyrell Paule supports Dolly’s Dream, a charity focused on bullying prevention and support.
- Matt Zukowski is advocating for R U OK?, a national suicide prevention charity.
- Both personalities are known for their previous appearances on Australian reality TV shows like ‘Married at First Sight’ and ‘Love Island Australia’.
Australian reality television stalwarts Cyrell Paule and Matt Zukowski have officially joined the star-studded cast of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! for its 2026 season, entering the jungle as late additions during Monday’s episode. Their arrival injects fresh energy into a season that has already garnered significant attention, launching with its strongest premiere ratings in three years, drawing an impressive 925,000 national overnight viewers. Both personalities are set to compete in support of vital charities, leveraging their public profiles to raise awareness and funds for causes close to their hearts.
Reality TV Powerhouses Enter the Jungle
Cyrell Paule, a name synonymous with Australian reality television, first captured national attention through her memorable stint on Married at First Sight. Her outspoken nature and propensity for creating unforgettable on-screen moments quickly cemented her status as a household personality. Her journey in the entertainment landscape didn’t stop there; Paule has since become a familiar face on Network 10’s celebrity formats, having previously appeared on The Challenge Australia in 2022 and The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition in 2024, where she competed alongside her partner, Eden Dally. For her time in the jungle, Paule is proudly supporting Dolly’s Dream, a charity dedicated to assisting young people and their families affected by bullying through crucial education, awareness campaigns, and early intervention strategies.
Joining Paule is Matt Zukowski, a multifaceted content creator, model, and co-host of the popular Where’s Your Head At? podcast, which he fronts alongside Anna McEvoy. Zukowski initially rose to national prominence during the second season of Love Island Australia in 2019. Beyond his reality TV debut, he has remained a visible figure across various digital platforms and gained further media attention through his high-profile marriage to fitness entrepreneur Tammy Hembrow. Zukowski’s participation in I’m A Celebrity aims to benefit R U OK?, a national suicide prevention charity committed to fostering meaningful conversations and promoting connection, particularly during challenging times. His involvement underscores the show’s capacity to amplify important social messages alongside its entertainment value.
A Season of High Anticipation and Strong Ratings
The 2026 season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! kicked off with considerable fanfare, demonstrating its enduring appeal to Australian audiences. The show’s strong opening night, which saw ten celebrities initially enter the jungle, set a positive precedent for the remainder of the season. As reported by TV Blackbox, the initial lineup of celebrities had been correctly predicted, adding to the anticipation surrounding the late additions. The early confirmed arrivals included notable figures such as rugby league star Luke Bateman, international supermodel Rachel Hunter, and AFL A-lister Dyson Heppell. They were followed by a diverse group of personalities, including Hollywood sitcom veteran Barry Williams, socialite Mia Fevola, soap opera icon Rebekah Elmaloglou, stand-up comedian Nath Valvo, 90s pop sensation Deni Hines, Logie-winning actor Gary Sweet, and radio personality Concetta Caristo. The series still awaits the reveal of one final celebrity, widely speculated to be ‘Master Chef’ and celebrity cook George Calombaris, further fueling public interest.
The strategic inclusion of Cyrell Paule and Matt Zukowski, both known for their vibrant personalities and established fan bases from previous reality television ventures, is a clear move to sustain and build upon the season’s initial success. Their proven ability to generate engaging content and attract viewership makes them valuable assets to the show’s dynamic. Their prior appearances on Network 10 formats also suggest a synergistic relationship, where their return helps solidify the network’s investment in familiar, audience-tested talent. This deliberate casting decision reflects a broader trend in reality television to leverage established identities for continued ratings momentum and heightened public discourse.