If we’ve learned anything from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! over the years, it’s that the jungle can change a person – and no-one has transformed more on this series than Anne Hegerty.
Viewers were blown away on Tuesday’s show as The Chase star stormed her trial and admitted she was finally starting to have fun in the camp – just a week after threatening to walk out during a breakdown.
After another intense episode, where Anne – who has Asperger’s Syndrome – smashed the Hellish Hospital trial, she told her new friends how much things had turned around, saying: “I started out being absolutely feeble and pathetic.
“I’ve been thinking the last few days, yeah, you know what? This is fun. This is starting to be fun.”
The official I’m A Celeb account tweeted their joy, calling her comment: “The words we’ve all been waiting to hear from @anne_hegerty.”
Fleur East talked about the transformation in her pal, saying: “Anne has changed so much as a person in the time she’s been here. She’s become a lot braver.”
"This is starting to be fun" are the words we've all been waiting to hear from @anne_hegerty. 🙌 #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/2ams7IpdMs
— I'm A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 27, 2018
Emily Atack added later in the show: “To see Anne now – compared to how she was at Snake Rock right at the beginning – I’m just in awe of her. I think she’s just absolutely amazing.”
Read more: I’m A Celebrity bosses ‘plotting romance between Nick Knowles and Emily Atack’
Fans rushed to praise the TV star’s transformation, with one emotional fan tweeting: “When the show first started she looked so overwhelmed I didn’t think she would last more than a few days. So pleased I’ve been proved wrong and so happy to see how much she’s smiling and laughing now. She even looks like she’s enjoying herself! Go Anne!!!”
Another commented: “That woman has over come so much that we take for granted #annetowin.”
A third added: “I’m delighted she’s starting to have a good time 😄 She’s smashed that trial and proved the doubters wrong. She’s improving and you can see her confidence grow. I love Anne ❤️.”
Others praised her more generally, writing: “She melts my heart what a great person she is xx.” Another addressed her directly, saying: “Yes Anne 🙌🏻 Once in a lifetime, enjoy it 💛.”
A third was overjoyed for her, tweeting: “She’s doing so well I love Anne.” While a fourth said: “Anne you are an absolute inspiration!! Everyone is so proud of you!! #teamanne you’ve got this and your camp mates have got you!! Enjoy every minute 🙌👏👊.”
The TV star had a shaky start to the series, breaking down on the first day, with show bosses reportedly fearing she could walk.
She then faced criticism for being ruled out of a few Bushtucker trials on medical grounds.
Read more: Former Strictly star Debbie McGee criticises the show’s format
But fans rushed to defend their favourite contestant and since then Anne’s gone from strength to strength, downing fish guts earlier this week and breaking a record in the process.
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