How Robert Irwin snagged Dr Chris Brown’s I’m A Celeb job over other major TV stars – as Julia Morris’ shock diva requirements for her new co-host are revealed
The truth about how Robert Irwin landed one of TV’s biggest roles has emerged after he was announced as co-host of Ten’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
According to a Ten insider on Tuesday, the natural warrior 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.
How Robert Irwin Dr.’s I’m A Celeb Job Chris Brown was chosen over other big TV stars, while Julia Morris’ shock diva demands for her new co-host are revealed. Both shown
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.
Despite being considered a frontrunner for the role, Logies’ host Sam Pang turned down the role after auditioning for it, claiming it wasn’t for him. Pictured during this year’s Logies
Comedian Jimmy Rees was introduced, but turned out not to be strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside co-presenter Julia Morris. Pictured
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.
Two screen tests also did not bode well, including with Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan from Studio Ten, both did not have the chemistry next to Julia. In the photo: Beau Ryan
Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was flown to Australia to audition for the role, but that didn’t happen. Pictured
“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.
A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-host’s blonde locks for the Ten Upfronts photoshoot.
Ten made the shock announcement that Robert would be co-hosting the show on Tuesday, as part of their annual Upfronts.
When Robert spoke to the Herald Sun about the new role, he couldn’t contain his excitement.
It is believed that Julia wanted co-host approval for the show after learning that Dr. Chris Brown would be out. In the photo: Robert and Julia
A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-host’s blonde locks for the Ten Upfronts photoshoot. Here on the promotional material for Upfronts
“This just feels like it was meant to be,” he told the publication.
It is not the first time that Robert appears in the jungle.
In 2016, the photographer was a guest on the show along with his mother, Terri, and sister Bindi.
He admitted that he has been a “huge fan of the show” ever since.
“I sat at the knee of a grasshopper and had the bowl cut,” he remembers.
“I had so much fun doing that show.”
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Robert couldn’t contain his excitement about the new role. “This just feels like it was meant to be,” he told the publication. Pictured