Why is George Calombaris joining I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here?

George Calombaris is joining the show as an intruder to share his perspective on the scandals he faced and seek redemption.

What was the major scandal involving George Calombaris?

In 2019, George Calombaris's hospitality group was ordered to repay $7.8 million in staff underpayments and fined $200,000.

Where is I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! being filmed in 2026?

The 2026 season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is being filmed in South Africa.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fallen Chef Seeks Redemption in Jungle

Fallen Chef Seeks Redemption in Jungle

25 Jan

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Summary

George Calombaris joins I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa.
He aims to tell his side of the story after business and staff payment scandals.
Calombaris was ordered to repay $7.8 million for staff underpayments in 2019.

Former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris is entering the South African jungle as an intruder on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! This marks his most significant public appearance since facing widespread scrutiny.

Calombaris's hospitality empire, MAdE Establishment Group, collapsed in 2019. The group was ordered to repay $7.8 million to over 500 underpaid staff and fined $200,000, ending his tenure on MasterChef.

He described the resulting public perception, particularly being tagged a 'thief,' as more damaging than the financial repercussions. Calombaris relocated his family to Sydney in 2023, involved in new business ventures, though his final Sydney venue closed in December.