Robert Irwin has bagged a whopping deal to co-host the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here alongside Julia Morris.
Daily Mail Australia can now reveal the wildlife warrior, 19, is set to pocket almost half a million dollars for his month-and-a-half-long foray into the wilds of South Africa.
According to a well placed source at Channel 10, Irwin ‘will earn over $430,000’ from his six-week stint in the jungle, and they think he will be ‘worth every cent’.
Given Robert’s magnetic appeal and the adoration he commands from fans around the globe, the investment is poised to pay off handsomely for the network.
‘His pairing with the witty and ever-entertaining Julia [Morris] has all the makings of a dynamic duo, promising viewers an unforgettable experience,’ said the source.
Robert Irwin (pictured) has bagged a whopping deal to co-host the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here alongside Julia Morris next year. Both pictured
Daily Mail Australia can now reveal the wildlife warrior, 19, is set to pocket almost half a million dollars for his month-and-a-half-long foray into the wilds of South Africa
Back in April, it was revealed that celebrities starring on the popular series are getting paid between $35,000 and $300,000.
Leading the pack is former rugby player and Bachelor star Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins has raked in potentially $120,000 more than the next highest paid cast member.
The next top billed star for 2023 was Kerri-Anne Kennerely, with the Aussie TV legend taking home $180,000 for her time in the jungle before she quit dramatically after just four days.
According to a well placed source at Channel 10, Irwin ‘will earn over $430,000’ from his six-week stint in the jungle, and they think he will be ‘worth every cent’
Given Robert’s magnetic appeal and the adoration he commands from fans around the globe, the investment is poised to pay off handsomely for the network
It comes days after it was revealed that 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.
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
‘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.
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.’
Comedian Jimmy Rees was suggested but proved not strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside co-host, Julia Morris. Pictured
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.
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
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.
Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was flown to Australia to audition for the role, but it didn’t eventuate. Pictured
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.
‘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.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel 10 for comment.
Robert will stand alongside Morris (right) for the upcoming 2024 season of the reality show, replacing Dr Chris Brown (left)
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