EXCLUSIVE: Robert Irwin’s staggering I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! pay cheque revealed

Robert Irwin has landed a blockbuster deal to co-host the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here with Julia Morris.

Daily Mail Australia can now reveal the 19-year-old wildlife warrior will pocket almost half a million dollars for his month-and-a-half jaunt into the wilds of South Africa.

According to a well-placed source at Channel 10, Irwin will “earn more than $430,000” from his six-week stint in the jungle, and they believe he will be “worth every penny.”

Given Robert’s magnetic appeal and the admiration he commands from fans around the world, the investment is poised to pay off handsomely for the network.

“His combination with the witty and always entertaining Julia (Morris) has all the makings of a dynamic duo, promising viewers an unforgettable experience,” the source said.

In April it was announced that celebrities in the popular series are paid between $35,000 and $180,000.

Leading the pack is Australian TV legend Kerri-Anne Kennerley, who, according to industry sources, is paid the most, with a generous salary of $300,000.

Former rugby player and Bachelor star Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins has potentially raked in $120,000 more than the next highest-paid cast member.

The next top star for 2023 was Kerri-Anne Kennerely, with the Australian TV legend taking home $180,000 for her time in the jungle before dramatically quitting after just four days.

It comes days after it was revealed the naturalist beat out big names Sam Pang, Jimmy Rees, Curtis Stone, Beau Ryan and Tristan MacManus for the role.

The network had a tough job keeping the popular Dr. Chris Brown, with the casting audition impressed by Robert’s natural charm.

‘He had charisma and spontaneity. He was funny and had great instincts,” the insider said of the master move.

“When Dr. Chris got the job, it was actually part of the original brief that experience with animals was required – which Robert has in abundance,” the insider continued.

Robert’s experience with exotic animals also came across well on screen.

‘The live work in the zoos really came into its own (in his audition). Producers said Robert would even eclipse his father’s career on television.’

Casting agents also weren’t concerned about the age difference between Robert, 19, and veteran presenter Julia Morris, 55, because of their natural chemistry.

‘The age difference didn’t feel strange and everyone, including Julia, was delighted – Robert had the maturity and skills to match the skills required for this role.’

Some of TV’s biggest stars auditioned for the coveted role, including Logies’ host Sam Pang, who politely turned down the TV gig.

Comedian Jimmy Rees was introduced, but turned out not to be strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside Julia.

Two screen tests also didn’t bode well, including with Studio Ten’s Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan, neither of whom had the chemistry next to Julia.

Much-loved TV chef Curtis Stone was also flown to Australia to test for the role. I’m A Celeb alumnus Miguel Maestre also auditioned as a possible presenter.

Rumors swirl that Julia sought approval from the co-host after finding out that Dr. Chris would leave the show.

“Julia quickly added co-host consent to her contract as soon as she heard Dr. Chris Brown was gone,” the insider claimed.

“Which was smart when she joined the network by not unsubscribing from any of the men she tested against,” she added.

Julia also won’t make suggestive comments about Robert, because everyone knows it won’t be thought of unfavorably.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 for comment.