Martha Kalifatidis has turned down an offer to join the 2025 cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! despite being tempted by a lucrative salary for a short stint in the South African jungle.
A production insider told Ny Breaking Australia that producers had been courting the Married at First Sight alum for years, but she ultimately decided against it.
“They’ve been trying to recruit Martha for ages,” the source said, before adding that Channel 10 had thrown away $80,000, but she still said no.
‘Producers were so desperate that they were willing to negotiate flexible terms on how long she had to stay on the show and benefits during the challenges.
‘They said she didn’t have to take part in tasks involving snakes and that she didn’t have to put anything in her mouth that she didn’t want.
‘She has always been at the top of their wish list, but she is cautious about the consequences this could have for her image.
Martha Kalifatidis has turned down an offer to join the 2025 cast of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! despite being tempted by a lucrative salary for a short stint in the South African jungle
A production insider told Ny Breaking Australia that producers had been courting the Married at First Sight alum for years, but she ultimately decided against it. (Photo: hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin)
“Martha has worked so hard on her image and doesn’t want to damage her public persona.”
Martha, who previously turned down a similar offer in 2022, admitted her decision this year was made with the guidance of her management team.
‘My manager said to me: ‘They’re just going to bully you. You become the ‘beauty girl’ under a magnifying glass,'” Martha explained.
She also revealed that Channel Seven had approached her about joining Big Brother. “They even asked me if I wanted to do Big Brother,” she said in a recent podcast interview. “I thought, ‘Are they even doing a celebrity version?'”
Although Martha won’t be appearing, the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity is already generating excitement with its tantalizing list of clues, which hint at a star-studded line-up.
Among the rumored contestants is viral Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, whose athletic prowess and vibrant personality could light up the jungle.
A production insider told Ny Breaking Australia that “Raygun has been a top target since she went viral. At first her team turned it down, but now she realizes this could be her last big chance to make money. These kinds of six-figure offers won’t happen again.’
Another name in the mix is MasterChef Australia judge and Dessert Masters presenter Melissa Leong.
“They’ve been trying to recruit Martha for ages,” the source said, before adding that Channel 10 has thrown away $80,000, but she still said no.
Among the rumored contestants is viral Olympic breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn, (pictured) whose athletic prowess and vibrant personality could light up the jungle
Another name in the mix is MasterChef Australia judge and Dessert Masters presenter Melissa Leong
Australian screen icon Sigrid Thornton (left) or even Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart (right), who was approached last year but couldn’t make the schedule, are also expected to appear
With rumors swirling that Dessert Masters will not return for a third season, Channel 10 is keen to keep Melissa on the network.
“What we have seen in the past with Ten’s network talent is that if their flagship show is axed, they are offered a substantial salary to join the jungle,” an insider claimed.
“It happened last year with Tristan McManus after Studio 10 was cancelled. Melissa could be next.”
Adding to the speculation, I’m A Celebrity teased the addition of a ‘Mega Movie Star’ on their Instagram.
The announcement has since sparked suspicions that it could be Australian screen icon Sigrid Thornton or even Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart, who was approached last year but couldn’t make the planning work.
“Melissa Joan Hart is a great retro name, and Ten would love her,” a source revealed. “They’ll blow the budget on one or two big names.”
Footy fans were also in for a treat, with AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith another name tipped to enter the jungle.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here returns to Channel 10 on January 19.
Footy fans were also in for a treat, with AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith tipped to head into the jungle