Ruby Wax, the iconic American television presenter, comedian, and actress, has quickly become the focal point of controversy and heated debates following her participation in ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” 2025 series. With fan reactions ranging from admiration to outright hostility, Wax’s fiery personality and candid humour have left viewers both entertained and polarised, prompting early speculation and predictions of a sudden walkout from the jungle camp.
Early Impressions and Camp Arrival
Ruby Wax parachuted into the jungle alongside nine other celebrities, greeted by an array of nerve-racking challenges, including an immediate reptilian encounter and the first Bushtucker Trial. Her arrival was marked by crackling wit and a series of jabs at fellow contestant Angryginge, quickly establishing her as an unfiltered, dominating presence within the camp. Her interactions, particularly with Angryinge, drew sharp responses from viewers who felt her comments were abrasive and somewhat rude, while others relished her comedy and quick retorts.
Bushtucker Trials and Viewer Reactions
After being chosen for the inaugural Bushtucker Trial alongside Angryginge, Wax’s reactions, including her notorious snake phobia, became a viral talking point. The challenge, rife with stomach-turning obstacles, tested both celebrities’ resolve. Ruby’s classic sense of humour in the face of adversity, from playful banter to meltdowns, offered glimpses of vulnerability, while also displaying her adaptability under pressure.
However, Wax’s upfront style in camp led to divided opinions. While some viewers found her candour refreshing and labelled her a “comedy goddess,” others branded her rude and arrogant, leading to calls on social media for her immediate removal. This swirl of controversy quickly painted her as the “most hated” and “villain” of the new season; comparisons were drawn to previous notorious contestants, like Lady Colin Campbell.
The “Exposed” and Predicted Walkout
The situation escalated as Ruby Wax was branded the first campmate to be “exposed”, her brash personality juxtaposed with moments of vulnerability, fueling rumours about her being the first to leave or even stage a dramatic walkout. Social experiment aspects such as heightened scrutiny and the psychological strain of jungle life without basic comforts further contributed to speculation about who would “crack” first, with Wax’s polarising reception at the core of audience predictions.
Wax’s Response and Support
Despite the backlash, Ruby Wax has received staunch support from dedicated fans and friends. Kathy Lette, her long-time friend, provided insight into Wax’s jungle goals: to showcase the enduring relevance of midlife women and combat stereotypes about ageing. Lette emphasised Wax’s empathy and vulnerability beneath her comic facade, predicting she would play the dual roles of mother figure and analyst, facilitating authentic emotional exchanges within camp. Many viewers have also called for patience, suggesting the public should “give her a chance to shine,” noting her legacy as a groundbreaking entertainer and her own storied past with mental health advocacy.
Wax’s Own Words
Ruby Wax herself asserted her intention to dispel misperceptions of aggression that have haunted her career, aiming to foster mingling and create engaging dialogue in a campy setting. Her pre-show interview revealed that she isn’t afraid of anything and looks forward to missing the comforts of city life, including restaurants and the theatre. Wax’s story is one of resilience in entertainment, humour as a defence mechanism, and an ongoing quest to break stereotypes surrounding fame, ageing, and mental health.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The media storm intensified with reports that Wax expressed dissatisfaction with pre-camp accommodations and allegedly threatened to sue producers in fits of rage, although these claims remain unverified in the context of on-air events. Wax’s tendency to “name-drop” and reference past encounters with public figures, like Donald Trump, added fuel to the public debate and positioned her as the season’s early talking point.
Cast Dynamics and Social Media Impact
The friction between Ruby Wax and younger campmates like Angryginge and Jack Osbourne has become a microcosm for larger issues, such as generational divides and gendered treatment within reality TV. Social media exploded with criticism but also support; for every call to “vote Ruby out,” there are fans calling her “queen of the jungle” and defending her unique sense of humour. The jungle’s social experiment atmosphere has magnified every quip, emotional outburst, and awkward encounter, making Ruby Wax the most scrutinised celebrity this season, her “exposed” role as both protagonist and lightning rod for public emotion.
What the Future Holds
Although it remains uncertain whether Ruby Wax will walk out or be voted off first, her impact on the 2025 series is undeniable. As “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” continues, Wax’s journey will likely serve as a mirror reflecting the complexities of fame, resilience, age, and personality under extreme conditions.
