Toni Pearen is about to get completely out of her comfort zone as she heads into the jungle as a contestant on Channel 10’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
But the 48-year-old has admitted she almost turned down the offer due to a number of reasons.
In a new interview with the BINGE Guide, the former Funniest Home Videos presenter said: ‘I had major fears even about who was going to be in the camp.’
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Facing her fears: Toni Pearen (pictured) said her decision to join I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was one hell of a challenge and ‘the most terrifying job I’ve ever stepped into’
Toni said she was nervous to partake in the emotionally and physically grueling experience, in part due to the tasks, creepy crawlies and the time spent away from her family during filming.
‘I started Googling I’m A Celebrity Australia and I would go into the rabbit hole. I had a copy of the Miguel (Maestre) Rhonda Birchmore’s season and I watched maybe an hour and then I didn’t sleep the night. It’s seriously the most terrifying job I’ve ever stepped into,’ she said.
The former E-Street actress, who took a short hiatus from the spotlight to focus on raising her two children, was nervous for her partner – husband Will Osmand – to step into her shoes during filming.
Toni thought hard about accepting the role as it would become the first time in years she would be separated from her son, Lucky, 11 and daughter, Ever, eight.
Blast from the past! Toni Pearsen made a name for herself as a TV presenter in the 90s. Here she is on the set of Australia’s Funniest Home Videos.
‘I had major fears even about who was going to be in the camp’: Toni said she was nervous to partake in the emotionally and physically grueling experience, in part due to the tasks, creepy crawlies and the time spent away from her family during filming
However, Toni said it was a chat to her old friend Rhonda Burchmore (a 2020 I’m A Celebrity star) that helped change her mind and say ‘yes’ to the show.
‘[Rhonda] said “It’s a hell of a lot better than being in quarantine in Victoria for the last six months” and that was definitely a defining moment where I thought “it’s been such a hard year for everyone and this could be just the antidote I need to finish the year”,’ Toni added.
Toni said her fears soon dissipated and claims her time in the jungle was a ‘gift’.
‘That was definitely a defining moment’: Toni said it was a chat to her old friend Rhonda Burchmore (pictured on the 2020 I’m A Celebrity season) that helped her say ‘yes’ to the show
Mum’s the word! The Australian actress and presenter shares two children, Lucky, 11 and daughter, Ever, eight, with husband Will Osmand
When Toni first told her husband Will that she was joining she show, Toni had to explain that she was replacing Julia Morris as a presenter/host.
‘I had to clarify “yes, she [Julia] is hosting and they want me to be a contestant.”‘
Regardless, she said her partner was super supportive of his wife’s newest TV gig.
That’s love: Toni said her partner was very supportive of her decision to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! this year
Despite her initial reservations, it appears the presenter is more than excited to see herself back on the small screen. On Sunday, the mum-of-two took to her Instagram to announce her involvement with the popular Channel Ten show.
‘Good morning friends! I’ve been keeping a secret from you,’ she began captioning a head shot of herself donning a broad-brimmed hat.
‘Tonight you can watch me face my greatest fears in the Aussie jungle with some amazing Aussie talent.’
Toni also went on to explain just how impacted she was by her experience on the show.
Headed for the jungle! On Sunday, the official I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Instagram account confirmed Toni (left) and comedian Mel Buttle (right) were joining the show
‘This was the greatest and scariest gig of my life!!! So glad I did it. It was life changing. What was life changing for you? Watch it tonight. Channel 10 @ 730pm.’
Toni joins a long list of celebrities who headed into the jungle, which was filmed in Byron Bay for the first time ever.
On Sunday, the official I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Instagram account also confirmed Australian comedian Mel Buttle was joining the show.
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! begins on January 3 on Channel 10