Boy George stated as recently as six months ago that he would never have to entertain the thought of doing I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! despite the fact he is expected to be announced imminently as part of this year’s line-up.
The 61-year-old cheekily implied that his bank balance meant he didn’t have to bother taking part in reality television shows for the pay cheque.
The chart-topping singer had massive success in the 1980s as part of Culture Club, before going on to carve out his own successful solo career, selling over 150 million records worldwide.
Unsurprisingly, these sales have been enough to fund his lifestyle – something he made a tongue-in-cheek reference to himself earlier this year on live TV.
Appearing on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in April alongside Culture Club for the Singalong Live! segment, George and co treated the studio audience and viewers at home to a rendition of their classic hit Karma Chameleon.
Ahead of their performance, Dec asked: ‘I’ve always wanted to know, what does Karma Chameleon mean?’
George then hit back with the zinger: ‘It means I never have to say, “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!”’
Taking the joke well, Ant responded: ‘That’s a real shame for us, George.’
However, the singer-songwriter then did hint that he might be available for wooing as he added: ‘Unless you do the vegan version, I’m in!’
The rumoured contestant was seen touching down at the airport in Australia last week, donning a lion mask for his arrival, as the show moves back Down Under after two years at Gwrych Castle in Wales.
The singer, who could be identified by the tattoos on his hand, gave a peace sign to the cameras as he made his way through the airport.
He played it coy when asked whether or not he’d eat creepy crawlies during Bushtucker Trials, telling The Sun: ‘I’m a Lion Queen, I have told you. I love all creatures.’
He was also previously reported as netting the biggest ever fee in the show’s history, thought to be $1million (£879,000).
‘It’s beyond exciting that we’ve secured Boy George,’ an insider revealed to MailOnline earlier this month.
‘It’s been a long time since we had a huge global star film the show and he will no doubt draw viewers.’
‘He’s also hugely popular in Australia and with the show leaving Wales and heading back down under, he’s the perfect addition.’
I’m A Celebrity 2022 premieres on Sunday November 6 at 9pm on ITV.
