rachel hunter

Rachel Hunter Steps Out of the Spotlight and Into the Jungle: A New Chapter for the Kiwi Supermodel

In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Australian entertainment landscape, 90s supermodel Rachel Hunter is confirmed to be trading the runway for the rainforest. The New Zealand-born icon is set to join the star-studded cast of Channel 10’s hit reality series, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! for its 2026 season. This announcement marks a significant return to the public eye for Hunter, who has largely kept a lower profile in recent years, focusing on wellness and family.

The news was revealed alongside the confirmation of former AFL star Dyson Heppell, setting the stage for a diverse and compelling season. For Australian audiences, Hunter’s participation represents more than just celebrity gossip; it’s a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of supermodels, coupled with a modern look at a woman who has successfully reinvented herself multiple times. As reported by News.com.au, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about yet, with the reveal of two major contestants generating significant buzz across the country.

The 2026 Line-Up: A Supermodel Enters the Camp

Channel 10 has pulled out all the stops for the upcoming season of I’m a Celebrity. The official line-up, as detailed in recent reports, includes former Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell, who is stepping into the jungle to support the charity Very Special Kids. But it was the second name announced that truly captured the media's attention: Rachel Hunter.

As noted by TV Tonight, Heppell’s involvement was the first major casting confirmation, but it was the subsequent reveal of Hunter’s participation that cemented the season’s high-profile status. According to the Herald Sun, the show’s producers have been strategic in their selections, aiming for a blend of sporting prowess and international glamour. Hunter, a household name throughout the 80s and 90s, brings a unique pedigree to the Australian bush. Her career, spanning decades and continents, offers a rich tapestry of experiences for viewers to explore.

Hunter’s decision to join the cast is a significant coup for Network 10. Her global recognition, stemming from a highly successful modelling career and her high-profile marriage to rock legend Rod Stewart, ensures the show will attract a broad demographic. From her appearances on the covers of Vogue and Rolling Stone to her acting roles in films like The Benchwarmers, Hunter has maintained a presence in popular culture. Now, she is poised to show a completely different side of her personality to Australian audiences.

From Runway to Reality TV: Understanding Rachel Hunter's Journey

To appreciate the significance of Hunter’s participation in I’m a Celebrity, it’s essential to understand the trajectory of her life and career. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1969, Hunter’s path to stardom began at a young age. While her initial dream was to be a professional dancer, a rare blood disease forced her to pivot. This unexpected turn led her to modelling, where she quickly rose to international fame. By the late 1980s and 1990s, she was one of the most sought-after faces in the industry, gracing countless magazine covers and walking the world’s most prestigious runways.

Her personal life also garnered significant media attention, particularly her marriage to Rod Stewart in 1990. The couple, often dubbed a "rock and roll royalty," were a constant presence in tabloids and on red carpets. They have two children together, Kimberly and Liam. Following their separation in 1999 and subsequent divorce in 2006, Hunter has spoken openly about the challenges of life in the public eye. In a recent interview highlighted by Geo.tv, Stewart revealed his perspective on the reasons behind their split, adding another layer to the public’s enduring fascination with their relationship.

In the years since her divorce, Hunter has undergone a profound transformation. She has moved away from the high-fashion world and embraced a life centred on wellness, spirituality, and holistic health. She became a certified yoga and meditation instructor and launched her own television series, Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty, where she explored health and beauty practices around the globe. This evolution from international supermodel to wellness advocate provides a fascinating backdrop for her appearance on I’m a Celebrity. Audiences will get to see the woman behind the iconic images, confronting her fears and pushing her physical and mental limits in the Australian jungle.

The Australian Context: Why This Season Matters

The Australian version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has established itself as a staple of the summer television schedule. The format, which sees celebrities live in a jungle camp while competing in a series of challenges, is a proven ratings winner. However, casting a figure of Rachel Hunter’s stature elevates the show to a new level of cultural relevance.

For Australian viewers, Hunter represents a bridge to a bygone era of glamour and excess. The 90s were a defining period in pop culture, and Hunter was at its epicentre. Her participation taps into a wave of 90s nostalgia that is currently sweeping through popular media. It provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with an icon from that era and see how she has navigated the decades since.

Furthermore, Hunter’s inclusion diversifies the cast, which is traditionally dominated by Australian sports personalities, television presenters, and comedians. Her international profile brings a global perspective to the camp, and her wellness-focused background is likely to influence her approach to the jungle’s challenges. This contrasts sharply with the more traditional, competitive mindset of a sports star like Dyson Heppell, creating an interesting dynamic within the group.

The show also serves as a platform for the contestants to champion causes close to their hearts. While Hunter’s chosen charity has not been officially specified in the initial reports, her long-standing interest in children's wellness and family support suggests she will be a passionate advocate for her chosen cause. This element of the show adds a layer of purpose and sincerity, reminding viewers that beyond the entertainment, there are real-world benefits to the celebrities' participation.

Immediate Impact and Speculation

The confirmation of Rachel Hunter’s involvement has already had a noticeable impact. Social media channels and entertainment news forums are buzzing with speculation about her performance. Will she embrace the jungle’s challenges with the same grace she exhibited on the catwalk, or will her wellness-focused personality clash with the show’s gruelling demands?

One of the most talked-about aspects is the potential for personal revelations. Living in the close quarters of the jungle camp often leads to candid conversations and emotional breakthroughs. Given Hunter’s history in the public eye, particularly her well-documented marriage and divorce, viewers are keen to see if she will open up about her past. The show provides a unique, unscripted environment for her to share her story in her own words, potentially reshaping the public narrative that has followed her for decades.

From a production standpoint, Hunter’s presence guarantees media coverage. Every challenge she completes, every interview she gives, and every interaction she has will be scrutinised. This level of attention is invaluable for a reality show, driving viewership and online engagement. The contrast between her polished public image and the raw, unglamorous reality of the jungle is a compelling narrative in itself. It’s a classic television trope: watching a star stripped of their usual luxuries and support systems.

The show’s success will also depend on how well Hunter connects with the Australian public. Unlike in the United States or Europe, celebrity status alone does not guarantee popularity in Australia. Authenticity, resilience, and a sense of humour are highly valued. Hunter’s ability to demonstrate these qualities will be crucial to her journey on the show and her reception by the audience.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect in the Jungle

As the premiere date for I’m a Celebrity 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Channel 10’s promotional campaign. We can expect a series of trailers and interviews highlighting the dynamic between Hunter and her fellow campmates, particularly Dyson Heppell. The pairing of a former AFL captain and a 90s supermodel is a marketing goldmine, promising both conflict and camaraderie.

Looking forward, Hunter’s journey on the show will likely be a test of her self-proclaimed transformation. While she has cultivated an image of calm and control through her wellness work, the jungle is an environment designed to provoke stress and chaos. It will be fascinating to see if her yoga and meditation practices provide her with the resilience to cope, or if the pressure proves too much. This internal struggle will be the core of her narrative arc throughout the season.

Beyond the immediate entertainment value, Hunter’s participation could have longer-term implications for her career in Australia. A successful and well-received appearance could open doors to new television opportunities, brand partnerships, or wellness retreats in the region. Australia has a vibrant wellness industry, and Hunter’s authentic, long-standing commitment to this field makes her a credible and attractive figure for potential collaborations.

Ultimately, Rachel Hunter’s move into the Australian