In an exclusive and deeply emotional interview, Rachel Hunter has finally broken her silence on her shock early exit from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia 2026, admitting she was left “disappointed” and “hurt” after being voted out in the first official elimination – just days into the South African jungle adventure.

The 56-year-old New Zealand-born supermodel, who entered the camp as one of the season’s biggest names, was dramatically sent home after losing a tense head-to-head guessing game against Love Island star Matt Zukowski. The result sparked fury among viewers, who blasted the show’s new pre-recorded format for robbing them of a public vote and accused producers of a “rigged” twist that robbed fans of keeping their favourite in longer.

Speaking exclusively to Now To Love, Rachel didn’t hold back as she reflected on the whirlwind experience. “I wanted to stay!” she confessed tearfully. “It was an incredible group of people in there and it was hard because obviously many bonds were made. We’re constantly thrown curve balls with different challenges, but tonight really just brought the reality in.”

The Kiwi icon – famous for her 90s modelling career, marriage to rock legend Rod Stewart and roles in TV and film – had quickly become a camp favourite, bringing calm energy, nurturing vibes and a “zen” presence amid the chaos of trials and tensions. Yet in a cruel twist, her campmates chose her for the elimination challenge, putting her up against Matt in the Elephant Graveyard.

Rachel admitted she felt “slated” by the decision. “It’s only human nature that we feel hurt or those old kind of feelings, especially if you go through it at school,” she said. “I warned them when I left, ‘If this is an alliance game, all of your sweet little talk and camaraderie is going to get shattered pretty fast.’ Because it’s going to come down to strategy, and alliances trigger a whole different nature in us.”

The model’s graceful exit interview saw her fighting back tears as she praised her co-stars. “It’s an incredible group of people and it was hard,” she repeated, voice cracking. “Many bonds were made.” Fans watching at home were left heartbroken, flooding social media with messages of support and outrage.

One viewer raged on X: “There’s no way Rachel would have been in the bottom three if the public got a chance to vote. This is bloody frustrating!” Another added: “If viewers were voting, Rachel would have made it much further.” Dozens more called the new format “boring” and “unfair,” demanding a return to audience voting.

The 2026 season marked a major shake-up for the franchise. Filmed months earlier in South Africa and aired pre-recorded, eliminations are now decided by camp votes and challenges rather than viewer polls – a change that has sparked widespread backlash. Network 10 has been forced to defend the format, insisting it creates “real tension” and “authentic drama” in camp, but many fans remain unconvinced.

Adding fuel to the fire, explosive insider claims suggest Rachel’s early departure may have had a more sinister motive: money. A source close to production told Woman’s Day that Rachel was “becoming too expensive” for the network to keep. Contestants reportedly receive an upfront appearance fee plus escalating daily rates the longer they stay – and with Rachel tipped to go deep thanks to her popularity and strong storyline, keeping her would have cost a fortune.

“Rachel didn’t leave because of the game – she left because she was becoming too expensive,” the insider alleged. “Producers could see how loved she was and how strong her storyline was becoming. Keeping her another week or longer would’ve cost a fortune.” The model is said to be “devastated” by the suggestion her jungle journey was cut short for budget reasons.

Rachel herself has not directly addressed the salary claims, but she did reflect on the alliance dynamics that sealed her fate. “I’m not very good with alliances, I don’t have that strategy so much,” she admitted. “I was triggered by the alliance aspect of the game.” She even pulled two campmates aside before leaving, warning them to “play the game” if they wanted to survive the cut-throat environment.

Despite the disappointment, Rachel remains philosophical about her short stint. “It was short and sweet,” she told WHO magazine. “I didn’t expect the support from fans – it’s sweet.” She praised the show’s ability to foster self-discovery, noting how the jungle pushed her out of her comfort zone.

The supermodel entered the competition in support of her chosen charity, Little Wings – a not-for-profit providing transport for children in rural and regional Australia needing critical medical care. “I wanted to raise awareness and funds for them,” she explained earlier in the season. Her early exit has only amplified calls for donations, with fans rallying to support the cause in her name.

Rachel’s time in camp wasn’t without highlights. She took on tough trials, offered emotional support to struggling campmates, and brought a sense of calm during tense moments. Her nurturing role earned her praise from co-stars, many of whom appeared genuinely upset to see her go.

Viewers were particularly outraged at the lack of fanfare surrounding her departure. Unlike previous seasons, there was no emotional send-off, champagne or heartfelt goodbye – just a quick exit after the challenge. “Sad to watch her quick exit,” one Instagram user commented. “Usually they give you a lovely send-off… now it’s see ya and nothing.”

The controversy comes amid broader changes to the show, including the pre-recorded format and South African location. While producers insist it allows for “bigger challenges” and “more dramatic storylines,” fans argue it removes the interactive element that made I’m A Celebrity so addictive.

As the season continues without her, Rachel has been flooded with messages of love. “She is so fabulous!” one fan wrote. “A beautiful soul.” Others called her exit “unfair” and “insulting,” insisting she deserved more time to shine.

For Rachel Hunter – the supermodel who once graced magazine covers worldwide and navigated high-profile relationships – the jungle was about more than survival. It was about pushing boundaries, forming connections and honouring her late mother, whose death in 2017 inspired her to “live on her own terms” and take on challenges like this.

“I should have taken more chances earlier,” she reflected in a separate interview. “Mum’s passing pushed me to do things like I’m A Celebrity.”

Now, as she returns to her family and career, Rachel leaves with her head held high – a graceful exit from a game that proved tougher than expected. The jungle may have been short, but her impact was undeniable.

Fans may never get the chance to vote her back in, but one thing is clear: Rachel Hunter left a lasting impression – and the conversation about fairness, budgets and alliances in I’m A Celebrity is far from over.

We wish Rachel all the best as she continues to inspire with her strength and authenticity. The jungle may have said goodbye too soon – but Australia hasn’t forgotten her.