The truth of how Robert Irwin snagged one of the biggest roles on TV has come out after he was announced as co-host of Ten’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
According to a Ten insider on Tuesday, the wildlife warrior beat out big names Sam Pang, Jimmy Rees, Curtis Stone, Beau Ryan and Tristan MacManus for the role.
The network had a hard task replacing popular Dr Chris Brown, with casting impressed with Robert’s natural charm in the audition.
‘He had charisma and spontaneity. He was funny and he had amazing instincts,’ the insider said of the masterstroke move.
‘It was actually part of the original brief back when Dr Chris got the job that animal experience was required – which Robert has in spades,’ the insider continued.
How Robert Irwin snagged Dr Chris Brown’s I’m A Celeb job over other major TV stars, as Julia Morris’ shock diva requirements for her new co-host are revealed. Both pictured
Robert’s experience with exotic animals also tested well on-screen.
‘The live-work in the animal parks really showed [In his audition]. Producers were saying Robert will even eclipse his father’s career on television.’
Casting agents also weren’t worried about the age difference between Robert, 19, and veteran host Julia Morris, 55, due to their natural chemistry.
‘The age difference didn’t feel weird and everyone including Julia was delighted – Robert had the maturity and the chops to match the skills needed for this role.’
A number of TV’s biggest stars were auditioned for the highly-coveted role including Logies’ host Sam Pang, who politely declined the TV gig.
Despite being considered a frontrunner for the role, Logies’ host Sam Pang turned it down after auditioning for it, claiming it wasn’t for him. Pictured at this year’s Logies
Comedian Jimmy Rees was suggested but proved not strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside co-host, Julia Morris. Pictured
Comedian Jimmy Rees was suggested but proved not strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside Julia.
Two screen tests also didn’t bode well including with Studio Ten’s Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan, both of whom didn’t have the chemistry alongside Julia.
Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was also flown into Australia to test for the role. I’m A Celeb alum, Miguel Maestre, also auditioned as a possible presenter.
Rumours have been circulating that Julia asked for co-host approval after she found out that Dr Chris was leaving the show.
‘Julia was quick to add co-host approval to her contract as soon as she heard whispers Dr Chris Brown was out,’ the insider claimed.
Two screen tests also didn’t bode well including with Studio Ten’s Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan, both didn’t have the chemistry alongside Julia. Pictured: Beau Ryan
Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was flown to Australia to audition for the role, but it didn’t eventuate. Pictured
‘Which was smart as she joined the network in not signing off on any of the men she had tested against,’ they added.
Julia also won’t be making any suggestive comments about Robert, as everyone knows that will not be looked upon unfavorably.
A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-presenters blonde tresses for the Ten Upfronts photo shoot.
Ten made the shock announcement that Robert would be co-hosting the show on Tuesday, as part of their annual Upfronts.
Speaking to the Herald Sun about the new role, Robert couldn’t contain his excitement.
It is believed Julia wanted co-host approval for the show after learning Dr Chris Brown would be out. Pictured: Robert and Julia
A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-presenters blonde tresses for the Ten Upfronts photo shoot. Here on the promotional material for Upfronts
‘This just feels like it was meant to be,’ he told the publication.
It isn’t the first time Robert has appeared in the jungle.
In 2016, the photographer appeared as a guest on the show alongside his mum, Terri, and sister Bindi.
He admitted he’s been a ‘massive fan of the show’ every since.
‘I was knee-high to a grasshopper and had the bowl cut,’ he recalled.
‘I loved so much getting to do that show.’
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Robert couldn’t contain his excitement for the new role. ‘This just feels like it was meant to be,’ he told the publication. Pictured
