Who Won The First I'm A Celebrity

So, you’re sitting there, spooning ice cream straight from the tub, and a question pops into your head: Who actually won the very first I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!? It’s a solid trivia question. And honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago, right? Let’s dig into the jungle archives together.

Way Back in 2002

Picture this: it’s 2002. The UK is still buzzing from the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Reality TV is in its awkward teenage phase. ITV throws a bunch of celebs into the Australian bush. The goal? Survive on basic rations and endure Bushtucker Trials.

The first series was a total experiment. Nobody knew if it would be a train wreck or a masterpiece. Spoiler: it was both, and we loved it. The jungle camp was basic. The tension was real. And the public vote was intense.

The Crown Goes To…

Drumroll, please. The winner of the very first series was Tony Blackburn. Yes, that Tony Blackburn—the legendary radio DJ. He was the one who famously got fired from the BBC, and also the one who introduced the Beatles on air. But in the jungle, he was just a cheerful bloke in a khaki shirt.

Tony beat out the runner-up, actress Christine Hamilton. And let’s be real—Christine was a fierce competitor. She’d go on to become a jungle legend in her own right. But Tony had that charm. He stayed calm when spiders crawled over his face. He didn’t lose his cool when campmates argued over rice. He was the ultimate camp dad.

Funnily enough, Tony didn’t even want to do the show at first. He was told it was a documentary about "surviving in the wild." Classic bait-and-switch. But he rolled with it, and the public adored him for it.

What Made Tony’s Win So Special?

Let’s be honest: the first series didn’t have the epic trials we see now. No underwater cages. No "Celebrity Cyclone." It was a simpler, more gritty survival test. Tony’s secret weapon? Positivity. He never moaned about the lack of alcohol or proper food. He just smiled and sang old radio jingles.

I'm A Celeb WINNERS (and runners up) since the start of the series'

He also formed a hilarious friendship with fellow campmate Darren Day. You remember Darren, right? The musical theatre guy? Their banter was gold. Tony would tell dad jokes. Darren would groan. The nation would laugh. It was the perfect recipe for a vote-winning duo.

The final trial was a classic: crawling through a dark tunnel filled with creepy crawlies. Tony did it without screaming. Did he look terrified? Absolutely. But he kept moving. That’s what mattered.

The Aftermath (and a Tiny Bit of Drama)

Winning came with a hefty prize: a £1 million donation to a charity of his choice. He chose the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Classy move, Tony. But the victory wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some fans grumbled that Christine Hamilton was more entertaining. Others argued that Tony coasted by being “boring but nice.”

Here’s the thing: that’s the game. Sometimes the nicest person wins. Especially in a series where nobody turned into a villain. The first season was all about camaraderie. Tony was the glue.

Who won the first I'm A Celebrity in 2002? Original cast revealed

And let’s not forget, Tony Blackburn is a survivor in real life too. He’s weathered career scandals, health scares, and the ever-changing music industry. Winning a reality show was just another day at the office for him.

Why Does This Still Matter?

Fast forward to today. I’m a Celebrity is a TV juggernaut. It produces memes, catchphrases, and national obsessions every November. But the first series set the tone. It proved that viewers don’t just want drama—they want heart. Tony Blackburn gave them that.

So next time you’re arguing with a friend about who the best ever winner is (it’s obviously not a boyband member), you can drop this fact: “Actually, the first winner was a 60-year-old radio DJ who out-sang spiders.” That’s a conversation ender. You’re welcome.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch some old clips. Tony Blackburn singing “My Way” while eating a witchetty grub. Chef’s kiss. Pure jungle gold.