British television is set for a seismic shift as comedy royalty Ruby Wax prepares to trade her comfortable surroundings for the gruelling conditions of the Australian jungle. The legendary performer has been confirmed as a contestant on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2025, marking one of the most anticipated reality television appearances of the year.
From Stage to Jungle: Ruby's Remarkable Career
Born in 1953 and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Ruby Wax originally carried the family name Wachs before her father changed it to Wax. Her educational journey saw her attend the University of California, Berkeley, though she departed without graduating. The 1970s brought a significant move to the United Kingdom, where she honed her craft at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
Her professional acting career began at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, where she forged a crucial creative partnership with the late Alan Rickman. This collaboration evolved into a long-standing writing and directing relationship, with Rickman later directing many of her stage comedy productions. After joining the Royal Shakespeare Company, she secured a minor role in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, though her breakthrough awaited.
Television Stardom and Comedy Legacy
Ruby's career skyrocketed with the ITV sitcom Girls on Top, where she portrayed the loud-mouthed American actress Shelley DuPont between 1985 and 1986. This success paved the way for her own Channel 4 comedy chat show, Don't Miss Wax, establishing her as a household name.
The 1990s saw her transition to the BBC, where she presented a range of interview programmes, often leveraging her distinctive American persona. Her late-night show Ruby on BBC Two became particularly notable for its sharp wit and engaging style.
Perhaps one of her most significant behind-the-scenes contributions came as a script editor on the iconic series Absolutely Fabulous, where she also made two memorable on-screen appearances. More recently, audiences have enjoyed her participation in Celebrity Bake Off and The Weakest Link, while earlier in 2025 she appeared as TV hosts Moffi and Toffi in Disney Plus' acclaimed show Andor.
What to Expect in the Jungle
As Ruby Wax enters the I'm a Celeb jungle for the show's 25th series, viewers can anticipate her bringing the same sharp humour and distinctive personality that has defined her career. Her experience in improvisation and comedy timing, combined with her American-British perspective, promises to create compelling television moments.
The 2025 series represents a significant milestone for ITV's flagship reality programme, and Ruby's participation adds considerable star power to the lineup. Fans of the comedian will be eager to see how she adapts to jungle life, tackles bushtucker trials, and interacts with fellow celebrities in the demanding camp environment.
With her extensive background in entertainment spanning decades, Ruby Wax brings a wealth of experience and storytelling ability that could prove invaluable during the challenging weeks ahead in the Australian wilderness.
