I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here 2024’s Ellie Cole made history when she became the first Paralympian in the show’s history to compete for Queen of the Jungle.
During her swimming career, Ellie took home seventeen Paralympic medals, four Commonwealth medals, three world titles and nine Pan Pacific gold medals — an incredible feat!
Speaking to Chattr after her elimination, the 32-year-old was thrilled by the “diverse backgrounds” of her campmates, while also being “proud” of being a part of the group.
“I think the cast this year and the campmates this year, I’m a Celebrity absolutely nailed it,” she said. “It was an amazing, interesting group of people and I was so proud to be one of those people, particularly since there’s never been anyone in Australia with a physical disability or a Paralympian, usually the athletes are Olympians.”
Adding that it was “nice to be able to represent my Para-athlete friends”, she admitted that other Paralympians would have been “kicking the door down” with excitement.
“That was really special for me,” she said. “I always knew that this show was such a great platform for so many conversations and that I was going to be able to speak about what it’s like to be a parent, what it’s like to live in Australia with a disability and what my experiences were like growing up with one.
“I was just really happy to get to have a platform like this one because this show has been so wholesome. And they’re so great at creating interesting conversations and I just couldn’t wait to literally walk right into camp for four weeks to do that.”
Ellie reveals the highlight of her time in the jungle and the one story that didn’t air
During her time in Camp, Ellie candidly discussed her experience of losing a leg to cancer at the age of three while telling inspiring stories from her remarkable athletic career; however, it was when she took on the role of swimming coach for Stephen K. Amos, that she had one of the best experiences of her life.
“I had an amazing moment with every single person to be honest,” she said, “But, I think the one that stands out to me the most is with Steven and the waterfall….As Steven was approaching the waterfall, he got about two metres away and his eyes looked up and he saw the waterfall and his eyes lit up and just had this big smile across his face. Like, ‘I’ve made it’.
“I think that would be one of the top 10 experiences in my life being able to see that look on his face.”
While a very special (and tear-inducing moment indeed), there was one moment that didn’t make it to air that only Tristan Macmanus was privy to!
“I told him a story that I had not even told Sylvia [her wife]. I’ve not told anybody that story!” she said. “It was the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done and he thought it was so funny.
“It was so bad that I had to swear every third word when I was telling him so that they literally could not put it on air!” GENIUS!
Well, now we really want to hear it!
You can learn more about Ellie’s charity Challenge, by visiting their website.
Watch the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here Grand Finale on Sunday at 7.30 pm on 10 and 10Play.
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