I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! newcomer GK Barry is gearing up to stir things up in the Australian jungle. At 25, the outspoken podcast host became the fifth celeb to land Down Under on Monday, and she disclosed to the Mirror about her flight ordeal: "The flight was horrendous, I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. I drank a bottle of wine. I am here to go to a retreat, just one with nature."
When queried about any prior camping experience, she jestingly responded: "No, god forbid." Fans are eagerly anticipating the Saving Grace actress joining the star-packed camp as the new series begins, but until then, learn what makes this YouTube celebrity such an interesting addition, including who her renowned girlfriend is....
GK has struck up a love affair with England football ace Ella Rutherford. Their relationship came to light over the summer after both introduced each other to their families and vacationed together, reports the Mirror.
Ella took to social media to share snapshots from their holiday, showing them enjoying some intimate moments. One image revealed GK donning a pink T-shirt that declares: "I love my girlfriend," complete with a red heart icon.
Another photo captures the influencer wittily hiding her girlfriend's face, all while puckering up for the lens.
Prior to jetting off to Australia for her I'm A Celebrity stint, GK made sure her footballer partner wouldn't miss her too much by leaving behind a life-size cardboard cut-out of herself.
Discussing who she'd miss most during her time in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, GK talked about her significant other and pet, sharing: "When you are missing home and all you want is your comfort people, then that will be hard if they are not there. But my girlfriend is also very excited for me and thinks I will do really well."
She added a light-hearted note: "I have got her a cardboard cut out of me so it's not weird when I am away."
The wave of backlash that followed a recent episode of GK's podcast has led to the performer going to great lengths to distance herself from the controversy. Two weeks ago, the Saving Grace actress faced criticism after releasing an interview with Bonnie Blue, an OnlyFans content provider known for her adult materials.
Bonnie Blue sparked conversations around her sexual exploits, which include sleeping with 100 men in a single day and her university tours during Freshers' Week, aiming to sleep with numerous students, which she later broadcasted on her OnlyFans page.
The internet erupted after the release of GK's conversation with the controversial figure, with many criticising the choice to feature such a guest due to the implication it could impact GK’s young fanbase, including girls as young as 13. Voices from the online community expressed their concern on platforms like X, signalling a need for moderation in the influencer sphere, with one commenter stating: "Her audience is 13-20 year old girls. Young and impressionable. This is not the message young girls should be hearing. We need to start de-platforming."
One dismayed viewer remarked: "GK Barry agreed with all Bonnie said and it's sickening. What was said is disturbing and has nout to do with feminism. The glorification of [sex work] has put girls and young women in serious danger."
Another comment read, "Gk Barry having bonnie blue on her pod and AGREEING with the harmful s*** she was saying is beyond disappointing. Do better babe."
In a move to promote the episode, GK Barry had shared segments on the show's social media channels, but subsequently deleted them amid mounting criticism. One social media critic pointed out: "Now she has deleted the videos from the Saving Grace TikTok account without even acknowledging the damage she has done... I am so so disappointed in her."
Discussing GK Barry's rising profile and earning potential following her stint on Loose Women last summer and securing a coveted role on ITV's top show, PR expert Kaley Cornelius, representing Betfred, said: "Grace's appearance on Loose Women is likely just the beginning of the opportunities that will come her way. Her ability to captivate audiences, combined with her quick wit, makes her exactly the kind of talent producers crave and if the demand for her continues, she will be on track to reach seven-figure earnings within the next year."
