In a move that’s already dividing fans and sparking endless headlines, celebrity chef George Calombaris has traded his high-end kitchen clogs for jungle boots, stepping into the South African wilderness as the final intruder on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia 2026.

The former MasterChef Australia judge — once one of the most feared (and loved) figures on Aussie TV — made his dramatic entrance on Sunday night, January 25, 2026 (airing after a week of buildup), sending social media into meltdown. With hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin hyping the arrival as ‘the one we’ve all been waiting for’, George parachuted (figuratively — or was it literally? The drama!) into camp, ready to stir the pot both literally and figuratively.

But this isn’t just any celeb swap. George’s journey from Michelin-starred restaurants to eating mystery meat in a hammock is one of the most talked-about twists of the season — especially given his controversial past. Fans are split: some are thrilled to see the culinary king back on screens, while others are calling it ‘tone-deaf’ casting after his high-profile scandals.

From MasterChef fame to jungle chaos: George’s rollercoaster ride

George Calombaris, 47, exploded onto the scene as one of the original MasterChef Australia judges alongside Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan. His no-nonsense critiques, Greek heritage flair (hello, souvlaki obsessions!), and infectious passion for food made him a household name from 2009 to 2019. He mentored winners like Julie Goodwin, Poh Ling Yeow, and Adam Liaw, dished out hugs and harsh truths in equal measure, and turned phrases like ‘It’s a bit underseasoned’ into national memes.

Off-screen, George built an empire: restaurants like Hellenic Republic, Maha, and his Made Establishment group, plus cookbooks, TV specials, and a reputation as one of Australia’s top chefs. But in 2017, the shine faded dramatically when a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation revealed his restaurants underpaid staff by millions — a scandal that cost him dearly in fines, reputation, and eventually his MasterChef seat.

George stepped away from the spotlight after 2019, focusing on family and rebuilding his businesses. He popped up briefly as ‘The Duster’ on The Masked Singer in 2021, but I’m a Celebrity marks his biggest prime-time return yet.

And oh boy, is it a return with fireworks.

The intruder entrance that broke the internet

Viewers watched in anticipation as Julia and Robert teased ‘a MasterChef is about to turn up the heat’ for days. Then came Sunday’s episode: the camp was mid-argument over rations when a helicopter hovered overhead. George descended (via dramatic entrance, naturally), greeted by screams, cheers, and a few stunned silences.

‘Hello campers!’ he boomed, arms wide, signature grin intact. ‘I’ve come to cook… or at least try not to poison you all!’

Instantly, the camp dynamic shifted. Former camp chef duties — mostly handled by whoever drew the short straw — were suddenly under scrutiny. George wasted no time offering tips on fire management and bush tucker seasoning, earning quick allies… and perhaps a few jealous glares.

Host Julia Morris later told TV Tonight: ‘The great thing about our intruder is that we now hear his story from his own mouth. George is going to impact camp hugely — and yes, we’ll get the real talk about everything that’s happened.’

Why the backlash — and the excitement?

Not everyone’s popping champagne over George’s arrival.

The underpayment scandal still lingers in public memory — a $2.6 million back-pay order, public apologies, and the closure of several venues. Critics on social media called the casting ‘insensitive’, arguing it glosses over worker exploitation for entertainment.

‘Really? A chef who underpaid staff is now eating bugs for ratings?’ one viral tweet read, racking up thousands of likes.

Others defended: ‘People deserve second chances. George’s owned it, moved on. Let him entertain us!’

The show’s producers clearly see the drama potential: George brings culinary expertise (a boon in a camp surviving on rice and beans), larger-than-life personality, and a redemption arc ripe for confessionals.

Early episodes show him bonding with castmates like supermodel Rachel Hunter, AFL star Dyson Heppell, and content creator Mia Fevola (daughter of Brendan Fevola). He’s already joked about turning bush tucker into ‘fine dining’ — think roasted witchetty grubs with herb-infused oil (if only they had any).

The 2026 cast: An eclectic jungle crew

George joins a stacked line-up that’s already delivered fireworks:

• Rachel Hunter: International supermodel bringing glamour (and perhaps the best hair in camp history).
• Barry Williams: Brady Bunch legend proving sitcom stars can survive snakes.
• Mia Fevola: NFL royalty and social media star shaking up dynamics.
• Rebekah Elmaloglou: Aussie soap royalty (Home and Away fave).
• Deni Hines: ARIA-winning singer adding soul to camp singalongs.
• Gary Sweet: Logie-winning actor keeping things grounded.
• Concetta Caristo: Triple j host and comedian for the laughs.
• Plus intruders and early boots like Matt Zukowski, Cyrell Paule, and more.

With Julia Morris and Robert Irwin hosting (Robert’s wildlife knowledge proving invaluable during critter trials), the season’s a mix of laughs, tears, and pure chaos.

What’s next for George in the jungle?

Insiders say George is ‘all in’ — embracing trials, opening up about his past, and yes, trying to elevate camp cuisine (good luck with the rations, mate).

Will he win the public vote and crown? Could he finally address the scandals in raw confessionals? Or will camp tensions boil over when someone questions his leadership?

One thing’s certain: from judging contestants’ dishes to battling his own fears, George Calombaris is serving up drama on a platter.

The kitchen’s closed — but the jungle spotlight is blazing hotter than ever.

What do YOU think — redemption story or risky casting? Will George survive the trials (and the backlash)? Drop your thoughts below — the comments are already sizzling!