Film & TV

INTERVIEW: Julia Morris & Dr Chris Brown Of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here

We had a chat with Dr Chris and Julia Morris about the ins and outs of filming I’m A Celebrity, as well as what they get up to – all they way from the South African jungle to our sunny South Australian beaches.

Talk about an iconic duo; Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris are officially headed back to the jungle this year to host the 2018 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. For the past three years the two have blessed our screens with their quirky friendship and hilarious sense of humours. Thankfully, they’re just as excited as we are to be reunited for another season.

Heading into its fourth year, I’m A Celebrity is notorious for pushing celebrities right out of their comfort zones. From the squirm-worthy Horrifying Hump Day challenge to the outright putrid Tucker Chewsday, it’s enough for people watching from home, as well as Dr Chris and Julia, to count their blessings.

We chatted with the co-hosts about the ins and outs of filming I’m A Celebrity, as well as what they get up to – all they way from the South African jungle to our sunny South Australian beaches.

Dr. Chris Brown

GLAM: Chris, what was the number one reason you just couldn’t say no to hosting ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ for the fourth time?

Dr Chris: I don’t think there’s a more challenging show on TV than I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa. There’s the live show, the big celebrity personalities and then the big animal personalities that I get to work with in my spare time. It’s a tough call to say who’s more of a handful.

GLAM: There’s always going to be clashes when you put a bunch of celebrities with big personalities together. Have there ever been any unlikely friendships that have taken you by surprise?

Dr Chris: Fev (Brendan Fevola) and Anthony Callea (from season two) were a standout. Fev went from the bad boy of AFL to sipping lattes while discussing the benefits of a spray tan – and all within a few weeks.

GLAM: After working with Julia Morris for four seasons, what have you learnt about her as a person after seeing her in these bizarre situations?

Dr Chris: When she’s on, she’s like an African electrical storm. You just brace for impact in that tree house studio and never know where you’re going to end up. But it’s always a fun ride! But despite that front, Julia’s got a soft heart that really gets behind any celebrity that’s struggling in there.

GLAM: You must be a pro at packing for the tropics after four seasons! What are your top travel tips for packing light or travelling to hot and sweaty places? What can’t you leave Australia without?

Dr Chris: Two pairs of sunglasses and lots of light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Your eyes just get smashed by the rays over here and that African sun is brutal. And given I always break a pair in my first week here a backup is crucial. They also help if you come across a spitting cobra that can spray venom in your eyes. We are overrun with them at the moment.

GLAM: Hosting I’m A Celeb, you’re heading off to remote places in the wilderness that the everyday Aussie could never imagine. Do you have a love of the outdoors that assists you with handling these places?

Dr Chris: It definitely helps. The scenery over here is breathtaking, so being able to stand back and appreciate the scale of it all really makes every day special. Even though we’re often too busy throwing celebrities off the highest parts of that scenery, I try to get my camera out so I can have a reminder of just where we’ve been.

GLAM: As you’d know, South Australia is filled with some pretty amazing natural adventure spots, have you ever hiked/caravanned/camped/traveled in South Australia? If not, have you been to Adelaide and done anything memorable here?

Dr Chris: I’ve been lucky enough to experience some pretty incredible parts of South Australia. Diving with sea lions on Kangaroo Island and the giant cuttlefish near Whyalla have been absolute highlights of mine.

GLAM: Roles reversed; do you think you would have what it takes to win the show?

Dr Chris: I think I would…right up to the point where the hunger kicked in. I’m always eating and so the strict diet of only a handful of rice and beans would be the end of me. I do honestly look on at the celebrities and occasionally feel envious of the life changing experience they’re having. Then I order my dinner and all that is forgotten…

Julia Morris

GLAM: Julia, what was the number one reason you just couldn’t say no to hosting ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ for the fourth time?

Julia: Biltong. Biltong is the main reason I couldn’t say no. It is a dried meat product that reaches its full tasting potential on African soil.

GLAM: Are there ever any challenges that you are completely terrified of or disgusted by?

Julia: The food challenges are always pretty disgusting. The smell of the Tucker Chewsday Trial is always a personal trial for me not to chuck.

GLAM: What was your favourite moment of last year that never made it to our television screens?

Julia: Dr. Chris likes to dance in the ad breaks. He has a special gift, in particular with the Pasa Doble. One day it will make it to screen, but in the meantime, just dream.

GLAM: Last year saw some pretty dramatic breakdowns from contestants. How do you deal with meltdowns during challenges?

Julia: It depends on how genuine the breakdown is. If someone is truly emotional then my Mummy instincts kick in and I want to protect and nurture. In the same way, if someone is putting it on for the camera then my Mummy instincts kick in and I want to shred and slap.

GLAM: You’ve come to Adelaide on tour as well as to perform at our many festivals, did you get any time to check out the ‘wilder side’ of SA (and we’re not talking about Hindley St)?

Julia: I have a big love affair with Adelaide and I always try to build in more time when I visit. Aldinga is my “wilder side” preference and you will find me at Miss Gladys on Sea!!

GLAM: While you have access to better accommodation than the contestants, do you ever worry if you’re staying in remote areas of South Africa that your accommodation isn’t creepy-crawly proof? Has there been anything in any of the locations that has scared you or worried you?

Julia: I think I got over my creepy crawly issues in season one. This is Africa. The locations are hard-core and you have to be present and aware of your surroundings. Never know when a Hippo will pass by.

GLAM: Roles reversed; do you think you would have what it takes to win the show?

Julia: Absolutely not. I would be yelling those magic words and returning to the luxe before you could say, “we are going to check your bags for contraband.”

You can catch Dr Chris and Julia live from the tree house studio in South Africa at 7:30pm on Sunday January 28 for a brand new season and watch a handful of new A-listers tough it out in very unfamiliar circumstances.

By Ellie Robinson

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