You’re probably picturing the line-up now. Let’s jog your memory. The first batch included Tony Blackburn, the radio DJ, and Christine Hamilton, who was famously the wife of a disgraced MP. It was a weird mix, honestly.
There was also Uri Geller, the spoon-bending guy. Yes, that one. He tried to bend spoons in the jungle, and it was just as ridiculous as you imagine. And let’s not forget Diane Modahl, the runner, who somehow kept her cool while everyone else lost their minds.
The first winner was Tony Blackburn. He was the king of the jungle before anyone knew what that even meant. He took home the crown, and probably a lifetime supply of insect repellent. Or maybe just a lot of pride.
The Very First Trial Was… Something Else
Oh, the first trial. It was called “The Crypt”—dramatic, right? Contestants had to sit in a dark box with creepy crawlies. Nothing too extreme by today’s standards, but back then, it was groundbreaking. Viewers were hooked immediately.
Can you imagine being one of the first people to watch that? You’d be sitting on your couch, thinking, “Wait, they’re actually eating that?” It was a cultural shock. And we loved every second of it.
The show’s hosts were Ant & Dec, of course. They’ve been the heart and soul of the jungle since day one. Their cheeky banter made the ridiculousness feel like a shared joke. Honestly, without them, it would just be a bunch of hungry people in a tent.
Who won the first I'm A Celebrity in 2002? Original cast revealed
