“Last-Minute Panic: Celebrity Show Faces Casting Crisis After $500K Deal Collapses!”

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! commenced this week for 2025, and already there has been no shortage of excitement. From displeased viewers regarding the participant roster to other followers speculating about an emerging romance in the wilderness, it promises to be a noteworthy season.

While numerous individuals took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the lineup (we all recall the ubiquitous “who?” comments often seen on these shows), Yahoo Lifestyle can now disclose that there was one prominent global celebrity initially slated to join this year’s season that many would certainly have recognized.

As per an insider, Mel B from the Spice Girls was expected to make her entry into the jungle but had to withdraw at the last moment, resulting in TikTok sensation and comedian Max Balegde stepping in for her.

Spice Girl was meant to make an appearance on I’m A Celeb 2025

The insider informed Yahoo Lifestyle, “Melanie Brown was intended to be the British international on the show,” with her remuneration set at $500,000 for a fortnight, plus additional earnings if she continued in the jungle.

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“Mel wasn’t deterred by ‘the jungle’ lifestyle and would have been content to share the campsite with her former Masked Singer co-host Hughesy, but withdrew for personal matters,” the insider revealed. “The offer was attractive, the chance was ideal, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.”

Max Balegde brought in as a substitute

Viewers of the program were left confused on the evening of the I’m A Celeb premiere, when two hints — “the chart-topper” and “the stadium star” did not appear to correspond with any of the personalities entering the jungle. “It seems the clues this year were released prematurely,” our insider stated.

Interestingly, Mel B’s substitute, Max, does share her initials. Although not many may be familiar with Max’s fame, producers are optimistic he will win over the Australian audience. “He could very well go all the way and claim victory,” our source mentioned.

I’m A Celebrity viewers criticize ‘worst lineup ever’

While we await to see which celebrities charm Australian fans this year, it hasn’t deterred disgruntled viewers from labeling 2025 the “worst” lineup in history.

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“Might as well rename it ‘I’m a regular person, and thrilled to be securing work,'” one individual joked. “I don’t even recognize half of them,” another remarked. “This is your lowest lineup ever… expect poor ratings,” a third commented.

“Ahhh the yearly ‘haven’t seen them in ages and who the heck are they’ challenge,” someone else stated.

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