Raygun tipped to land major TV gig in 2025 after backflip: 'Six figures'

Less than two weeks after she did a series of radio interviews announcing that she wouldn’t be appearing on reality TV anytime soon, it appears Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has changed her mind. The controversial breakdancer, who broke the internet and became a household name thanks to her performance at the 2024 Olympics, is tipped to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! next year.

A source close to production tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the upcoming season of the Channel 10 reality show will be more “divisive” than ever before, with Raygun “very close” to signing on.

“Raygun is one name at the top of the list who bosses have been working on since she went viral,” the insider shares. “Initially Raygun’s team declined, but now she’s realising her window to make big money is quickly closing - and it’s unlikely she’ll ever get a six-figure sum to do a show ever again.”

RELATED:

• Raygun's latest 'impressive' move sees the world scrambling for Aussie tracksuit

• Raygun launches $15k challenge for Aussies as she returns to breaking

• Robert Irwin shocks fans with hidden talent in I'm A Celebrity 2025 teaser

Raygun reveals why she doesn't think reality TV is a 'good fit' for her

Raygun told The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick earlier this month she wouldn’t be going into the jungle and doesn’t think reality TV is a “good fit” for her because she has a “very 'memeable' face”.

“There's been some amazing memes that have come out, and I just don't think reality TV is the space for me,” she said with a laugh. “So I'm going to focus on things where I can really bring joy and to try and encourage people to be creative.”

She made similar comments on Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, admitting that she’s received “a lot of reality TV requests” but simply isn’t interested.

“I mean, look, as someone that went viral from their performance at the Olympics, I think I've got a very memeable face. It's very expressive, and I just feel like going on reality television is just not the right move,” she remarked.

“To be honest, the last couple of months, I've been really focusing on just kind of managing this whole situation. All invitations and things go to my amazing agent so I can keep focusing on my mental health.”

Who else is rumoured to appear on I’m A Celebrity?

The upcoming eleventh season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is set to premiere on January 19 with Robert Irwin and Julia Morris returning as hosts.

In a recent interview on The Project, Robert hinted the reality show may welcome a member of the royal family after he spent time with Prince William last week. A Channel 10 insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that while the upcoming season “obviously won’t have anyone quite as high profile as the future king”, the 2025 cast will be one of the best group of contestants viewers have ever seen.

Controversial Married At First Sight groom Harrison Boon has reportedly been brought up “several times” within the network's discussions, although it’s unclear if he’s received an actual offer to appear.

“Channel 10 want the show to go back to being talked about in every office across Australia every morning, with huge personalities clashing in every episode,” our source details. “Harrison may not be the biggest name, but his views on women and feminism will infuriate people across the country and generate discussion - and they need a villain.”

MasterChef star tipped to join new season

Former MasterChef judge Melissa Leong, who is currently hosting Dessert Masters, is another star tipped to join the new season. Our insider tells us that Channel 10 likely won’t renew Dessert Masters for a third season next year due to low ratings, however, they “don’t want to lose their relationship” with the food critic and are hoping to cast her on another show.

“What has happened in the past with Channel 10’s ‘network talent’ after their flagship show gets cancelled is that they get offered a significant pay cheque to enter the jungle,” our source shares.“We saw that with Tristan McManus last year after Studio 10 was axed. He was reluctant but eventually agreed as the network promised him more work if he signed up for the reality show.”

SHOP:

• The chic and super soft bedding you can curate to your own unique style

• New leakproof water bottle that's $20 less than a Stanley: 'So pretty'

• The award-winning gift that says 'I'm here for you' in the most thoughtful way

The insider went on to say that network executives could “play into Melissa’s fearless nature and unpredictable career choices” to get her on the show, but the decision will likely come down to how much money she’s offered.

“The money is often quite good and if Melissa could bag a quarter of a million dollars for the proposed 21 days, that isn't something anyone should easily turn down,” they add. “They will need to frame this offer with a very clever pitch.”

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.