In a tense episode that aired on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (with the pre-recorded season unfolding week by week), the 30-year-old reality star found himself in the bottom after campmates voted to put him at risk. Facing a brutal elimination challenge against a fellow contestant, Matt fought hard but ultimately lost out, forcing him to utter those infamous words: ‘I’m a celebrity… get me out of here!‘

The exit comes hot on the heels of the season’s first official eviction — supermodel Rachel Hunter, who was sent packing just days earlier after losing a guessing game showdown to Matt himself. Fans were left furious over the format twist: with the series pre-recorded and public voting scrapped for most episodes, eliminations hinge on camp decisions and challenges rather than viewer polls — sparking outrage online with many claiming their favourites were robbed of a fair shot.

Matt’s departure has divided viewers. Some celebrated the end of what they called his ‘mummy’s boy’ moments — the star broke down in tears earlier in the series, confessing he was desperately missing his mum Janine amid the isolation. ‘She got me through the last year of everything,’ he sobbed to Rachel Hunter in a raw confessional that went viral. Others defended him fiercely, praising his vulnerability in a tough environment and arguing he brought genuine emotion to the camp.

The former Love Islander entered the jungle as an ‘intruder’ alongside Married At First Sight alum Cyrell Paule in episode two, shaking up the dynamics from day one. Known for his chiseled looks, cheeky charm, and high-profile split from Tammy Hembrow (with whom he shares children), Matt quickly became a talking point — both for his reality TV pedigree and the ongoing headlines surrounding his divorce drama. Insiders even teased that Tammy might address their breakup on her upcoming Channel Nine show Shark! later this year, turning the jungle stint into part of a bigger media storm.

But life in camp wasn’t all smooth sailing for the fitness enthusiast. Matt faced the usual trials: creepy-crawly Bushtucker challenges, endless hunger, and the psychological grind of no contact with the outside world. His emotional low point — that tearful admission about missing his mum — humanised him to some viewers, while others labelled him a ‘sook’ (Aussie slang for whinger) in heated social media debates. One fan posted: ‘Matt crying for mummy again — time to go home!‘ while a supporter fired back: ‘Let the man feel! Jungle breaks everyone.‘

The eviction twist added extra spice. Campmates — including big names like George Calombaris, Luke Bateman, Mia Fevola, and others — voted to make Matt and another vulnerable, leading to the dreaded face-off. Sources say the challenge was a high-stakes guessing game at the infamous Elephant’s Graveyard, where quick thinking and bluffing decided fates. Matt’s loss left him gracious in defeat, hugging campmates and reflecting on the bonds formed in the wilderness.

In his post-eviction interview (aired shortly after), Matt kept it real. ‘It was tough, mate — the hunger, the bugs, missing family… but I gave it everything,’ he told hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. He praised the group as ‘incredible‘ and admitted the experience taught him resilience. ‘I learned a lot about myself — and yeah, I missed Mum like crazy, but that’s family, right?‘ The candid chat won over some critics, with one viewer tweeting: ‘Matt’s exit interview was class. Respect.‘

This season has been billed as the ‘toughest yet‘ by Julia Morris, thanks to the voting overhaul and the pre-recorded format. No live public input for early boots means eliminations feel unpredictable — and often unfair. Fans raged after Rachel Hunter’s exit: ‘No way Rachel goes if we voted!‘ one wrote on X. Matt’s boot has only fuelled the fire: ‘Camp voted out the wrong one again — bring back public vote!‘

Matt’s jungle journey adds another chapter to his reality TV saga. From Love Island Australia (where he turned heads with his charm) to high-profile family life with Tammy Hembrow — their split made headlines amid co-parenting challenges — he’s no stranger to the spotlight. The jungle tested him physically and emotionally, but he emerged with stories to tell and, perhaps, a bigger platform waiting.

As the season marches on toward the crown, the remaining campmates face more trials, alliances, and betrayals. With intruders shaking things up and tensions rising, who’ll be next to hear the dreaded words? Matt’s eviction reminds us: the jungle doesn’t play favourites — it breaks them down, builds them up, and sometimes sends them packing.

From tears over mum to a bittersweet goodbye, Matt Zukowski’s time in the I’m A Celebrity jungle was short but unforgettable. Fans may debate his exit for weeks, but one thing’s clear: he left with his head high — and probably a massive craving for a home-cooked meal from Mum.

The glitter of reality fame awaits outside the vines. Stay tuned — because in the jungle, drama never sleeps.