Concetta Caristo Crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Network 10’s popular reality competition, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, has a new monarch of the jungle! Comedian Concetta Caristo has officially been crowned the winner, triumphing over a host of other celebrities in a gruelling series of challenges. The announcement was made by show hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris on Sunday night, with Caristo securing the coveted title after a public vote, narrowly beating out fellow finalists Gary Sweet and Luke Bateman.
Throughout her time in the jungle, Caristo consistently pushed her boundaries, facing down her fears with remarkable resilience. Viewers watched as she bravely endured a series of terrifying trials, including being submerged in a rapidly filling water tank and confronting the show’s infamous culinary and creepy-crawly challenges – which involved consuming offal and interacting with spiders, snakes, and even baby crocodiles.
Reflecting on her journey in the final episode, Caristo articulated her core motivation: “The whole reason I’m here is to push through and to tell myself I can do this, and push through the fear,” she stated. “Otherwise, what’s the literal point?” Her determination and candid approach resonated with audiences, ultimately leading to her victory.
Who is Concetta Caristo?
For many, Concetta Caristo is a familiar voice on Australian radio. The 31-year-old is a gifted stand-up comedian, widely recognised for her role co-hosting the popular Triple J breakfast show, a position she’s held since 2022. Her television credits extend to appearances on Taskmaster Australia, The Cheap Seats, and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. Further cementing her presence in the entertainment landscape, Caristo also took the reins as host for last year’s ARIA awards.
A Look at the Other Finalists
The competition was fierce, with two other notable personalities making it to the final stages alongside Caristo.
Gary Sweet is a seasoned and highly respected actor with a career spanning decades. A four-time Logie award winner, Sweet began his acting journey on the beloved series The Sullivans. He achieved international acclaim for his portrayal of cricket legend Don Bradman in the iconic 1984 miniseries Bodyline. Throughout the 1990s, Sweet was a constant presence on Australian small screens, starring in popular dramas such as Police Rescue, Stingers, and Blue Murder. More recently, he was a familiar face on the long-running soap opera Neighbours.
Luke Bateman brings a unique blend of sporting and online fame to the table. A former Canberra Raiders rugby league star, Bateman first gained broader public attention by participating in the final season of The Bachelor Australia in 2023. However, he has since cultivated a substantial following as “that BookTok guy.” His engaging book reviews, often filmed from his truck or a tractor while he works, have garnered him a significant fanbase, particularly within the fantasy and romance genres. In a testament to his growing influence, Bateman secured a two-book deal with Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Australia, in June of last year.
The Full Camp: A Diverse Cast of Celebrities
This season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! saw 13 well-known personalities embark on the challenging adventure in the African jungle. The diverse cast included:
- Kiwi supermodel Rachel Hunter
- Former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris
- AFL star Dyson Heppell
- Comedian Nath Valvo
- Reality television personalities Matt Zukowski and Cyrell Paule
- Neighbours alum Rebekah Elmaloglou
- Mia, daughter of AFL legend Brendan Fevola
- Singer Deni Hines, who voluntarily exited the competition citing personal reasons.
- Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams
The Grand Finale: A Night of Emotion and Reflection
After four intense weeks of living in the jungle, the three finalists – Caristo, Bateman, and Sweet – were treated to a special final meal and a celebratory cocktail. For Caristo and Bateman, it was a negroni, while Sweet opted for a margarita. The evening also brought the highly anticipated reunion with their loved ones. Caristo shared an emotional embrace with her mother, Marlene. Bateman was visibly moved by the sight of his mother, Leanne. Sweet was overjoyed to be reunited with his two young sons, Freddy (11) and Percy (8), and his partner, Nadia Dyall.
The Prize: A Significant Donation to Charity
Beyond the title of King or Queen of the Jungle, the ultimate prize in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is a substantial $100,000 donation to a charity of the winner’s choice. Concetta Caristo dedicated her winnings to Full Stop Australia, an organisation committed to supporting individuals affected by family, domestic, and sexual violence.
“Services like these are so important for people who are affected by violence,” Caristo stated emphatically. “I know that personally because a service like that changed my life, my mum and my sister’s, and I plan on supporting services like this for my entire life.” Her victory not only highlights her personal strength but also shines a much-needed spotlight on the vital work of Full Stop Australia.
