MANILA, Philippines—The concept of a reality TV show where contestants are left to fend for themselves in a jungle is certainly nothing new. But what’s different about “I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!” is the exposure of famous personalities to the limits of physical endurance and various challenges in a harsh environment to earn money for a chosen charity.
Season 2 of the US version of the international reality TV franchise brings to the jungles of Costa Rica Hollywood actors Stephen Baldwin and Lou Diamond Phillips, model Janice Dickinson, comic duo Frangela, reality show stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, former professional wrestler Torrie Wilson, ex-NBA cager John Salley, former Illinois first lady Patricia Blagojevich, and American Idol Season 6 finalist Sanjaya Malakar. There they will brave the elements while performing tasks and compete for viewer votes to avoid elimination and earn the King or Queen of the Jungle title.
In a teleconference with the Inquirer and other Asian media arranged by Star World, celebrity contestants Dickinson and Malakar share their thoughts about the show.
How did you prepare for the show?
Janice Dickinson (JD): The producers did not plan it properly. I got all these inoculations. I became very sick after the immunization I got in Costa Rica. By the time the vaccine kicked in, we were going to be in another jungle already.
Sanjaya Malakar (SM): I think my biggest fear is how to stay healthy. It’s always hard and scary to get into a jungle setting. I got immunization that I’ve never had in my life. My body is kind of reacting right now.
What kind of sacrifice did you make for the show?
JD: I’m a mother. I look after the children. Once or twice a week, I serve food to the homeless and do community work. I’ll be missing my children like crazy. But I’m going to turn into something positive. I’m going to show a side of me that people don’t know of.
SM: I’m not going to have any entertainment! And we’re going to have only the minimum of what we need to survive in the jungle. [On the other hand] it’s easier because we’re able to look at life from an outsider’s perspective. It’s a great thing.
Why did you decide to be part of this?
JD: I have been fighting for AIDS activism ever since the disease broke out. I have done everything in my power to raise money for it. Hopefully I can win so the proceeds will go to Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. This show is interesting because it’s not just about winning. It’s about coexisting in a rain forest area with other people.
SM: I’d like to put myself in situations where I’m not necessarily comfortable. This show is structured with challenges and my fans would have a say in what’s going to happen.
How would you rate your fellow contestants?
JD: I think they’re the best you can get. I give my fellow contestants two thumbs up.
SM: It’s hard to say. Janice has actually been on the show in the UK and made it to No. 2. It’ll be interesting to see as the show progresses.
Why do you think you have a chance in the competition?
JD: I was in New York as a young girl, watching hairdressers, makeup artists, models and photographers dying right in front of me because of AIDS. We were very afraid as children. Until the last day of my life, I’ll fight to find money to stop this dreadful disease.
SM: I have more “Survivor” experience while a lot of people don’t think I do. I’m not going into detail about that but I definitely have chops that people wouldn’t expect.
“I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” premieres July 8 on Star World.
