The upcoming 2026 season of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! promises viewers a brutal but fair contest, where famous faces endure hunger and fear on a level playing field for charity. However, a starkly different reality operates behind the scenes, with the celebrity pay packets revealing a chasm of inequality never before seen on the hit show.
The Deliberate Pay Divide
According to senior production sources speaking to the Daily Mail, the pay structure for the new season is both deliberate and ruthless. There is no such thing as equal pay in the jungle. Contestants are not compensated for their suffering, but for their perceived value to the production. With television budgets under pressure, those not considered essential are presented with take-it-or-leave-it offers, leading to a vast gulf between the top earners and the rest of the camp.
Insiders reveal that several cast members were unhappy with their proposed fees but felt compelled to accept, fearing exclusion from future television opportunities if they declined. One source bluntly stated that some celebrities are 'basically being paid to starve on camera', suggesting complaints would vanish if the cheques were larger.
From Six Figures to 'Exposure'
The pay scale for the 2026 intake illustrates this hierarchy perfectly. At the summit is Barry Williams, the former Brady Bunch star, who is believed to be commanding a fee between $150,000 and $180,000. His international legacy and nostalgia value are seen as invaluable for attracting advertisers and global press attention.
Close behind is supermodel Rachel Hunter, securing $140,000 to $170,000. Her global profile and the fact she did not actively pursue the show reportedly increased her bargaining power. Veteran actor Gary Sweet follows, earning $110,000 to $140,000 for his reliable ability to deliver promotable emotional storylines.
The mid-tier features familiar faces like singer Deni Hines (around $100,000), AFL star Dyson Heppell ($90,000 to $120,000), and actress Rebekah Elmaloglou ($90,000 to $120,000). Comedian Nath Valvo is in the $80,000 to $100,000 bracket, valued as a utility player.
However, the figures drop significantly for others. Radio host Concetta Caristo and former NRL player Luke Bateman are each estimated to earn $70,000 to $90,000. At the very bottom, despite a substantial social media following, Mia Fevola is believed to be among the lowest-paid, with a fee of just $40,000 to $60,000. Insiders admit that for some, the experience is 'almost for exposure'.
The Hosts' Multi-Million Pound Trade-Off
The reason for this squeezed cast budget becomes clear when looking at other production costs. While contestants negotiate five-figure sums, the real financial outlay has been directed elsewhere. A production source explained that multi-million dollar contracts for hosts like Robert Irwin have effectively gutted the fund available for celebrity contestants. This trade-off sees a handful of key presenting talents compensated at a level that dwarfs the combined earnings of many campmates.
Network 10, which broadcasts the show in Australia, declined to comment on the pay revelations when approached. The exposed pay disparity starkly contrasts with the show's public image of shared hardship, revealing a commercial hierarchy where fame, legacy, and television pedigree are the real currencies in the jungle.
