Australian singer Deni Hines has launched a fierce response to the social media commentary surrounding her recent participation in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia. The 55-year-old performer, known for her hit It's Alright, left the reality television series after expressing an urgent need to use proper bathroom facilities, sparking widespread online discussion.
Social Media Backlash Dismissed
In an exclusive interview with News.com.au, Hines firmly stated that negative social media reactions have not affected her emotional state following the jungle experience. The celebrity contestant filmed the show in December and has since moved on from the production, though she acknowledges encountering some critical opinions online.
'Social media reaction hasn't tainted my time at all, seeing as I've been gone since December when we filmed the show,' Hines declared. 'I see some of it, but everybody's got an opinion like an a***ole, man. There's people that I don't like, but do you think I have the time to go to their page and write something negative?'
Camp Conflicts and Lasting Friendships
The daughter of renowned Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines acknowledged that her direct personality may have contributed to tensions with fellow contestants during filming. Despite these potential clashes, Hines revealed she has maintained contact with certain campmates since leaving the South African jungle location.
'There's people in life that I don't want to be friends with and people in life I do want to be friends with,' she explained. 'Those are the campmates I have contacted since leaving the jungle.'
The Toilet Troubles That Prompted Departure
Hines' exit from the gruelling reality series occurred during a Tuesday episode when she expressed frustration with the camp's limited diet and outdoor bathroom facilities. The singer complained that the consistent rice and beans meals were causing digestive issues and declared her unwillingness to use the 'long drop' outdoor toilet for extended periods.
'I want to leave the jungle because I can't s**t. It's been six days. I can't do rice and beans again. That will plug me up again,' Hines stated during the episode. 'I refuse - refuse - to sit on that long drop more than five minutes... I know it's going to be more than five minutes. I want to go to a real toilet.'
When rice and beans appeared on the menu once again that evening, Hines uttered the programme's famous catchphrase: 'I'm a celebrity...get me out of here!' Her departure reportedly left remaining campmates feeling deflated, though few attempted to persuade her to stay following several interpersonal conflicts.
Support for Fellow Contestant
Despite her early exit, Hines revealed she continues to support one particular contestant in the ongoing competition. She expressed strong backing for fellow participant Luke Bateman, praising his character and deserving nature.
'I would love Luke [Bateman] to win this. Luke is the most beautiful 30-year-old man. He's just got a great head on his shoulders, got a beautiful heart. He deserves to win this. I don't know who wins this s**t, but he deserves to,' Hines affirmed.
Notable Camp Confrontations
Prior to her departure, Hines was involved in several notable confrontations within the camp environment. During Monday's episode of the Channel Ten series, the singer clashed with comedian Nath Valvo, nearly reducing him to tears with her blunt criticism.
After commenting on Triple J star Concetta Caristo's perceived lack of camp contribution, Hines turned her attention to Valvo, stating directly: 'You're lazy as f***.' The comedian appeared taken aback by the remark, responding that he had been offering assistance but received criticism for his efforts.
Valvo became visibly emotional while discussing the exchange with fellow contestants Concetta Caristo and Matt Zukowski, highlighting the tense atmosphere that developed within the jungle camp. Hines' outspoken approach and bathroom-related complaints ultimately led to her dramatic exit from the popular reality television programme.
