Every year in the lead-up to the new season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Aussies become amateur sleuths to try and identify the new group of celebs entering the jungle. From keeping a close eye on Instagram grids and suspicious account followers to telling quotes and old-fashioned gossip, fans of the franchise try their best to unearth the new contestants – but it’s never as easy as it seems.
Ten keep the identities of their contestants a closely guarded secret in the leadup to each new season, and 2025 appears to be no different. Although the network shares some telling hints regarding the new cast, audiences have to wait until the week of the premiere to find out who will officially be joining and thanks to last night’s season kick-off we finally have the complete who’s who of the jungle.
Whilst the season revealed its usual mix of athletes (no, not RayGun) and Aussie comedians – one unexpected British star stole the show after fainting…the one and only Max Balegde.
If you aren’t chronically online like us, his memorable first challenge may be your first introduction to the star. And whilst he may not be as well-known as some other contestants this year, he’s definitely one to watch.
Who is Max on I’m a Celebrity 2025?
Meet Mac Balegde, a 26-year-old British TikTok star who’s kind of a big deal online.
The chaotic and hilarious star boasts over half a million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million on Tiktok. He’s also a presenter, podcast host and pop-culture extraordinaire.
Before heading into the jungle he spoke with Pedestrian TV, telling the publication that he knew many Aussies wouldn’t recognise him.
“I know for a fact that ‘lovely Linda’, who sits at home and has her three kids that are all grown up now…she’s not going to have the slightest clue who Max Balegde from the UK is.
“And I am perfectly at peace with that.
“I’m very excited that the vast majority of people watching the show will not have a clue who I am.”
Why is Max Balegde famous?
Max has made a name for himself online as a ‘chaotic’ content creator – sharing a mix of celebrity interviews, skits, hot takes and vlogs.
He’s chatted to stars such as Millie Bobby Brown, Paul Mescal and Zendaya in the past and previously revealed his desire to join I’m a Celeb back in 2021.
-“If you’re listening, here’s the things that I’ll bring to the show”, he said in the old TikTok video.
“Firstly, I’d probably be the non-celebrity that no one even knows who they are and you wouldn’t have to pay me that much. Secondly, I’d do absolutely everything. I’d be s**t at everything no doubt. Thirdly, I’ve been trying to lose weight for ages and nothing’s working, so rice and beans for a month, are you trying to shag me? Go on then.”
Where did Max Balegde grow up?
Max grew up in Lancashire in North West England. He previously studied at Newcastle University, aspiring to work in digital marketing before launching his TikTok account in 2020.
In 2023 he bought a house with his partner Andrew, who is also a content creator. The pair have been together for just under four years.
Digital Editor
Madison Scott
Digital Editor
Madison Scott is the Digital Editor for WHO Magazine, writing Entertainment and Lifestyle content while also curating the publication’s social media accounts.
With a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University (English Literature/Public Relations & Social Media), Madi enjoys telling people in great detail about all the books she reads, staying up-to-date on celebrity nonsense and obsessing over the latest niche TikTok trends.
If she’s not scrolling aimlessly on Pinterest, she’s probably fine-tuning her endlessly long fashion wish list, daydreaming about her next travel destination or re-watching a Nora Ephron classic.
