If there’s one campmate who’s bossing it on this year’s I’m A Celebrity, it’s Tulisa Contostavlos. Since her life ‘fell apart’ after an elaborate drug sting and sex-tape scandal, the N-Dubz singer and former X Factor judge, 36, has made her very public comeback in the 24th series of ITV’s top reality show.
Tulisa’s already become a favourite in the jungle as camp leader, alongside Coronation Street’s Alan Halsall, and is the camp’s unofficial cheerleader. She’s also winning over viewers after opening up about her arrest on drug charges in 2013, being betrayed by ex-boyfriend Justin Edwards, and her demisexuality on the show.
heat spoke to her bandmate and ex-boyfriend Fazer – real name Richard Rawson – to find out more.
How do you think Tulisa is doing?
She’s doing well – we’re happy for her. Being camp leader has been her perfect role. She’s very nurturing and caring, and she wants to make everything nice for everyone. She’s a people person, and she can get on with everybody. But she definitely needs to get stuck into some Bushtucker trials.
She’s the camp’s cheerleader, taking GK Barry under her wing and dishing out inspirational quotes. Is this the real Tulisa?
T has lived a lot. She wasn’t dealt the best cards in life, and the way she just pushes through is inspirational. This is the Tulisa we see. She’s always looking out for people and saying, ‘Don’t worry, things will get better’, because she’s been through shit in her life. A lot’s gone on with her, and people need to pay her more sympathy.
Was it difficult for her to talk about the drug charges and sex-tape drama?
Of course, because that was a whole ordeal in her life. It’s taken time for T to be able to do that. She’s never spoken about these before in public. This is part of her healing journey – to go back in front of the public eye, put it out there, let everyone see her for who she is, and forget the preconceptions they might have of her. From strategically closing herself off to putting herself on one of the biggest TV shows to be judged is a big step, and all credit is due to her.
What are your thoughts on the rumours of a jungle romance between her and Alan?
Who knows? Like she said, there’s got to be some sort of emotional connection. If not, the thought of sleeping with them gives her the ick.
Are you and bandmate Dappy voting for her to do the trials?
Definitely. She’s not good with bugs, so it’ll be funny to watch.
Finally, do you think she can win?
She definitely has potential – along with Alan, Danny Jones and Coleen Rooney. It could be a close call, but it’ll be good regardless.
