In a twist straight out of a comedian’s wildest dream, Eddie Kadi, the 42-year-old funnyman, nearly dismissed his golden ticket to stardom as nothing more than a elaborate joke. The star, known for his infectious energy and quick wit, revealed how a single phone call inviting him to join the jungle chaos of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! left him reeling in disbelief.
Eddie had long harbored a secret desire to dive into the ITV reality show, especially after watching his close pals, like former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse, tackle the trials and triumphs of camp life. “I’ve watched friends do it, and you kind of see them do it, and you go, ‘Oh my, I wish one day,'” he shared. But when the call finally came, skepticism hit hard. “I thought it was a prank! I thought, honestly, because it’s not something I expected to happen,” Eddie confessed with a laugh.
As the days ticked by, the surreal feeling only intensified. “I kept thinking, ‘Is this a joke? Is this real?’ It didn’t actually feel real,” he admitted. It wasn’t until he set foot in the Australian jungle that the reality sank in. Mingling with a diverse crew of campmates made it all click: “The more conversations you have with people, different types of people, you’re like, ‘OK, this is actually serious.’ But it still feels really surreal right now. I feel really grateful.”
A familiar face from Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, where he showcased his dance moves, Eddie—a devoted dad to his eight-year-old daughter—plans to be the camp’s ultimate morale booster. Armed with his comedian’s arsenal, he hopes to sprinkle laughter amid the grueling challenges. “I love to think I’m going to be the funnyman—until reality hits,” he quipped. But there’s one wildcard: those infamous creepy-crawlies. “You think you’re funny until you see a creepy-crawly. And then suddenly it’s a different sort of entertainment—because I don’t think the creepy-crawlies will understand my humour.”
Despite the jitters, Eddie’s optimistic vibe shines through. “I am a positive. I enjoy life. I love a good vibe,” he said. Drawing from his tight-knit circle of friends who thrive on good times, he aims to inject that same energy into camp, especially during tough moments. “I’m a comedian and that’s something that I don’t just see as work.”
Of course, jungle life means sacrifices, and for Eddie, the biggest hurdle might be going without his sweet indulgences. Topping his “most missed” list? Kinder Bueno White chocolate bars, Werther’s Originals, and fresh banana bread—no small feat for a guy with a serious sugar craving.
But fear not, viewers: Eddie promises some unforgettable entertainment, even in the most vulnerable spots. Joking about his “dad bod,” he vowed to represent all the everyday dads out there. “Not with this dad bod! But I’ll tell you what, they’re going to get it. I’m here to represent all the fathers, all the guys with the dad bods,” he chuckled. And get ready for a symphony under the stars—or rather, in the shower. “They’re going to hear my singing voice. I’ll be belting out some Afrobeat songs, some Boyz II Men is going to come in there, a couple of Usher songs, you might get a few Christmas renditions.”
With his humming, dance moves, and perhaps a moonwalk or two instead of six-packs, Eddie is set to turn the jungle into his personal stage. From prank call to prime-time adventure, this comedian’s journey is proof that sometimes, the wildest opportunities come knocking when you least expect them. Stay tuned—Eddie’s ready to bring the laughs, the vibes, and maybe even a few screams!