Matty J is getting real about gender roles on I’m a Celebrity Australia 2025, and it’s sparking an important conversation.
On the January 3 episode, the former Bachelor star opened up to fellow campmate Tina Provis about the internal struggle he’s faced as his wife, Laura Byrne, became the family’s breadwinner.
While Matty J is incredibly proud of Laura’s success, he admitted that shifting parenting roles and societal expectations weren’t always easy to handle. Here’s what we learned on I’m a Celebrity 2025.
Who is Matty J?
Matty J (Matthew Johnson) first won Aussie hearts as the runner-up on The Bachelorette Australia in 2016. He then got his second shot at love (and found it!) as the leading man on The Bachelor in 2017, where he met now-wife Laura. The couple have since welcomed two daughters, Marlie-Mae and Lola.
Before reality TV fame, Matty worked in marketing at top agencies in Sydney and London. These days, he’s a familiar face on Aussie screens, with hosting gigs on The Living Room, Luxury Escapes TV, Studio 10, and even appearing Dancing With The Stars: All Stars. He’s also dabbled in weather presenting for Weekend Today and co-hosted the 2023 Logies red carpet alongside Laura.
Beyond TV, Matty entertains his 465k Instagram followers and co-hosts the podcast Two Doting Dads with comedian Ash Wicks. The duo also released their first children’s book, The Quest for Free Time, in 2024.
Matty J talks parenting, insecurities, and breaking stereotypes on I’m a Celeb 2025
At the I’m a Celebrity basecamp, Matty J got deep with Tina about the evolving roles of mums and dads, admitting that he initially struggled with being the more hands-on parent while Laura’s career skyrocketed.
It started during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the cancellation of Luxury Escapes, a show he was set to host, while Laura’s jewellery business and podcast, Life Uncut, took off.
“It was lucky because Laura was still so busy during COVID that I kind of then slotted into more of an involved parent,” Matty reflected.
While he was incredibly proud of Laura’s success, he confessed to battling feelings of inadequacy when it came to recognition for his own contributions at home.
“When Laura did the podcast, people would come up and ask for a photo with Laura,” he said. “First and foremost, [I’m] so proud of Laura, because she’s getting recognition for what she was doing. Then there’s voices in your head, like ‘you should be getting recognition, too.’”
Matty recalled conversations at social gatherings where Laura was showered with praise, while his role as a dad went largely unnoticed.
“No one really gives recognition for the work you do at home with the kids,” he confessed.
Challenging outdated gender roles
In another refreshingly honest moment, Matty admitted that he used to feel uncomfortable with his role shift, questioning why he was the one doing daycare pickups or grocery shopping.
“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, I should be the one making the money. Why am I at the supermarket buying groceries? I’m weak for doing that.’”
Tina, however, was quick to reassure him: “I think you’re brave to be able to recognise that and say that, though, because so many people wouldn’t.”
Matty agreed, acknowledging that outdated gender norms still hold power over how men and women see themselves especially when it comes to parenting.
“It took me a long time to really to acknowledge the work I was doing at home with the kids, with the family,” he said.
“It is this stupid old ideology that men should be out there earning an income and a woman should be at home looking after the house.”
“I’m hoping that the next generation coming through can stop thinking in that way, because that narrative is just so faded now.”
Love to hear it, Matty. Here’s to rewriting the rules!
