I'm A Celeb: The real reason Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes agreed to join 2025 cast

After years of being linked to the show, Dave Hughes finally agreed to appear on this year’s season of I’m A Celebrity, and revealed on Sunday that his decision was solely because he finally had “room in the schedule” after his Sydney breakfast show was axed last year.

“Because I’m not doing full-time radio this year or next year. There’s room in the schedule, and I’ve always thought I would be good in the jungle. I’ve always wanted to go in,” the comedian told News.com.au.

However, Yahoo Lifestyle understands there’s a little more behind his decision to say yes.

Why Hughesy finally agreed to appear on I'm A Celeb

A casting source explained that the comedian was originally set to appear on season 5 in 2019 before pulling out during the final stages of pre-production, and has been approached to do it every year since then, but has always used the same excuse when declining the lucrative offer.

“I’ll only do it when I really need to,” the source quotes Dave as allegedly once saying, with the insider saying he was keeping the show as a “career lifeline” when he needed both the exposure and huge paycheck.

“Last year Dave didn’t just lose his breakfast radio show overnight when it was axed, but his gig as a judge on The Masked Singer too when Channel 10 confirmed it won’t be returning. It’s been a few years since 10 got rid of Hughesy, We Have a Problem too and right now his schedule has never been so empty,” the insider spilled.

“As much as the show is called I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! behind the scenes we joke it should be re-named I’m A Celebrity, And Need The Work.”

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Kyle Sandilands appeared to reignite his feud with Dave on Monday morning when discussing the I’m A Celeb line-up, laughing: “It’s only celebrities who have got no career, or their career ended 20 years ago.”

The insider also claimed Dave will be using his stint on the show to try and re-establish his career in stand-up, with a 48-date tour set to begin on the 21st – a week after I’m A Celebrity is set to wrap in South Africa.

I'm A Celebrity fans left fuming after major reveal

After it was revealed ahead of the season premiere on Sunday that Hughesy is The Comedy King, fans have been left divided. In the announcement video, Hughesy told viewers, "Hey guys, yeah, it's true, I'm going the jungle. I'm A Celebrity... Don't get me out of here!"

He said he was excited to meet "cool people and listening to their stories", the comedian also joked, "As a vegan, I haven't eaten bull's testicles in quite a while, so, can't wait for that."

He added, "I hope you have a good time, and I hope my misery brings you joy."

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Some I'm A Celebrity viewers seemed excited to see Hughesy on their screens, with one user writing, "Can't wait," and another saying, "Look forward to seeing Hughesy in the jungle, will bring lots of laughter and good humour."

However, most were less than impressed and threatened to boycott the show, with one person saying, "Normally watch each season. NOT this year now. Appreciate the heads up."

"Hopefully he stays there," another quipped, while a third added, "I'm out."

"Scraping the bottom of the barrel is an understatement," someone else wrote.

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