FORMER Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie will make her debut on Network Ten’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here on Sunday night after producers locked her in to make an appearance after apparently “pleading” for years.
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Ms Lambie parachuted into the South African jungle on Saturday local time where she joined former Labor Senator Sam Dastyari among the “celebrities” on this year’s edition.
The appearance on the show will launch her election pitch, with Ms Lambie to attempt to regain her Senate seat in the upcoming federal election.
Jacqui Lambie Network spokesman Glynn Williams said the time was right for Ms Lambie to make an appearance after turning down producers in the past.
“Producers on I’m A Celebrity were pleading with her to join this year,” he said.
“They’ve asked in the past but Jacqui turned them down because she put her parliamentary duties first.
“When she thought she’d have a fighting chance, she accepted.
“As the first Tasmanian on the show, she will do her utmost to do Tasmanians proud.”
All of her winnings will go to a charity, which will be revealed on the program.
Ms Lambie lost her seat in the Senate after it was revealed she had UK dual-citizenship which was passed on by her Scottish father, making her ineligible to sit in parliament. Her replacement – former Jacqui Lambie Network Senator Steve Martin – refused to step aside when Ms Lambie became eligible.
He was then dumped by the JLN, sat as an independent and joined the Nationals.
Mr Williams said Ms Lambie was determined to win back her Senate spot, and her appearance on I’m A Celebrity was a way of placing her front of mind for Tasmanian voters.
“Part of the program is about boosting her familiarity with Tasmanians so we hope plenty of people tune in,” he said.
“When she goes into the tucker trials, she’ll show how committed she is for Tasmania.
“You don’t often get the chance to show what you’re made of.”
I’m A Celebrity involves putting celebrities through torturous challenges in a bid to raise money for charity, testing their physical and mental boundaries.
Other contestants for 2019 include former AFL champion Dermott Brereton, Hollywood gossip guru Richard Reid and Gogglebox regulars Angie Kent and Yvie Jones.
Provided she lasts through the challenges, Ms Lambie could be on the show for up to a month.
Mr Williams confirmed that if an election is called, it would qualify as an emergency and he would be able to contact Ms Lambie who would likely return to Australia.
But unless that happens, Ms Lambie is on her own in the jungle.