When Vogue Williams posted a simple beep-beep emoji and the caption "Beep beep, podcast pro Vogue Williams is moving away from the mic and into the Jungle! 🎙️" on her Instagram on November 19, 2025, fans knew what it meant: she was heading to the Australian jungle for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!Australia. The 38-year-old Irish podcaster and former Dancing with the Stars Ireland star is set to join the 2025 lineup of the long-running ITV reality show — a move that’s as surprising as it is personal. Her husband, Spencer Matthews, a 36-year-old British TV personality and founder of MATTHEWS Gin, won’t be there to cheer her on. And no, it’s not because of his infamous 2015 stint — it’s just bad timing.
Why Spencer Won’t Be in the Jungle
According to Michael Slavin, LADbible’s Film and TV specialist and former Warrington Guardian reporter, Matthews’ absence has nothing to do with his controversial past on the show. "It’s nothing to do with this two-day stint on the show," Slavin wrote on November 19, 2025. "He’s got prior commitments — work, family logistics, the usual." That’s a relief for fans who still remember the 2015 scandal: Matthews was pulled from the South African jungle after admitting to taking steroids during his brief, two-day appearance. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history, overshadowing his charm and making him a reluctant celebrity.But here’s the twist: he’s not avoiding the jungle because of shame. He’s avoiding it because he’s running a business. MATTHEWS Gin, the premium London-based spirits brand he launched in 2020, is in the middle of a major product launch. And with a young child at home, he’s the primary caregiver while Williams is away. "He’s not hiding," a source close to the couple told LADbible. "He’s just not free. And honestly? He’s proud of her. He just can’t be there."
A Journey From Podcaster to Jungle Survivor
Vogue Williams, born Vogue Teresa Coady in Dublin, has spent years navigating the spotlight. After appearing on Dancing with the Stars Ireland in 2018 and later The Saturday Night Show, she pivoted to podcasting with The Vogue Williams Show, which now ranks among Ireland’s top 10 true-crime and lifestyle podcasts. Her voice — warm, witty, unfiltered — built a loyal audience. But reality TV has always been in her DNA. She’s used to cameras. Used to pressure. Used to being judged.This time, though, it’s different. No glitter, no dance floor. Just mud, bugs, and a diet of rice and beans. The jungle doesn’t care if you’ve interviewed Jake Gyllenhaal or launched a gin brand. It only cares if you can eat a kangaroo testicle without gagging. And Williams? She’s ready. "I’ve done hard things," she told The Journal in an exclusive interview published November 20, 2025. "This isn’t about fame. It’s about proving to myself I can still do something terrifying."
The Show That Never Stops
ITV has been broadcasting I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! since 2002. For 13 years, the show filmed in South Africa’s Limpopo region. Then, in 2016, production moved to the Dungay Creek jungle in New South Wales, Australia — a decision driven by cost, climate control, and logistics. The 2025 series marks the 24th season, and it’s already one of the most anticipated. With 14 contestants confirmed, including a former England rugby player, a TikTok influencer, and a 72-year-old opera singer, the competition is fierce.Williams’ entry adds a new layer. She’s the first Irish podcast host to join the jungle. And she’s the first contestant whose partner was once removed for steroid use — a fact that The Journal highlighted in its November 2025 coverage, even as it pleaded for reader donations to keep journalism alive. "Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open," the article read. "Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough."
What Comes Next
Filming for the 2025 series begins November 22, with the premiere scheduled for November 29 on ITV. Williams will be cut off from the outside world — no phones, no emails, no updates from her husband. Fans will have to wait until the daily episodes to see her reactions, her struggles, her moments of triumph. And when she emerges — if she emerges — she’ll likely be different. Stronger. Quieter. More grounded.Spencer Matthews, meanwhile, will be at home, stirring gin, changing diapers, and watching every episode with his child on his lap. He won’t be in the jungle. But he’ll be watching. And for a man who once broke the rules to survive, that might be the most powerful support of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Spencer Matthews removed from I'm A Celeb in 2015?
Spencer Matthews was removed from the 2015 series after admitting to taking steroids during his two-day participation in the South African jungle. The show’s producers cited a breach of the show’s health and safety rules, and his departure sparked widespread media coverage. He later apologized, calling it a "stupid mistake" made under pressure, and has since become an advocate for mental health awareness in reality TV.
Is Vogue Williams the first podcaster on I'm A Celeb?
Yes. While several contestants have had media backgrounds — including journalists, radio hosts, and TV presenters — Vogue Williams is the first full-time podcast host to enter the jungle. Her show, The Vogue Williams Show, has over 1.2 million monthly downloads in Ireland and the UK, making her a significant voice in the UK’s podcasting scene before this challenge.
Where is the 2025 I'm A Celeb jungle located?
The 2025 series is being filmed in Dungay Creek, New South Wales, Australia — the same location used since 2016. ITV moved production from South Africa after a decade due to rising security costs and logistical challenges. The Australian jungle offers more controlled conditions, including better medical facilities and consistent weather, though the physical demands remain brutal.
How long will Vogue Williams be in the jungle?
Contestants typically spend 18 to 20 days in the jungle. Filming for the 2025 series runs from November 22 to December 10, with the finale airing on December 11. Williams has said she’s prepared for the full duration, even if it means going without her favorite coffee or her husband’s voice for nearly three weeks.
What’s the connection between The Journal and this story?
The Journal, an Irish digital news outlet, reported on Williams’ participation and Matthews’ absence, including a fundraising appeal to support independent journalism. While not the original source of the announcement, their coverage added context about the couple’s history and the show’s legacy. The article also noted that advertising revenue alone isn’t enough to sustain their journalism — a reminder that even celebrity news relies on public support.
Will Spencer Matthews ever return to I'm A Celeb?
Unlikely. ITV has never invited a former contestant who was removed for rule-breaking to return — even if they’ve since rebuilt their reputation. Matthews has expressed no interest in returning, calling the jungle "a place I survived, not one I want to revisit." His focus remains on MATTHEWS Gin and parenting, not reality TV redemption arcs.