Ruby Wax, a name synonymous with quick wit, sharp humour, and authentic vulnerability, has entered the 2025 season of “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”. As headlines swirl around her inclusion, both fans and critics are again spotlighting the depth of a star whose influence spans comedy, television, mental health advocacy, and literary achievements.
Early Life and Dramatic Roots
Born Ruby Wachs on April 19, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, Wax was the child of Austrian refugees. Her American upbringing was shaped by both humour and underlying struggles, inspiring a career that combined brutal honesty with empathy. After high school in Evanston, Wax studied psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, before moving to the UK in 1977, where her artistic ambitions found fertile ground.
Her time at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow was pivotal, launching her into the UK’s volatile but fertile comedy and theatre scene. Early roles at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership with Alan Rickman, who would encourage her to shift into comedy.
Ascending British Comedy and Television
Wax’s comedic breakthrough came with the BBC’s “Not the Nine O’Clock News” in 1979, but it was the women’s sitcom “Girls on Top” (1985–1986) that cemented her as a comedic force. Her bracing style, unafraid to tackle taboo, celebrity, and politics, fit an era hungry for bold humour.
In the 1990s, she hosted “The Full Wax” and the acclaimed “Ruby Wax Meets…”, a celebrity interview series blending irreverence and emotional candour. Interviews with everyone from Madonna to Imelda Marcos, Pamela Anderson, and members of the British royal family drew massive audiences, with some episodes attracting over 14 million viewers and earning BAFTA nominations.
Ruby Wax was also the secret comedic genius behind “Absolutely Fabulous”, serving as script editor and delivering performances that contributed to its cult status from 1992 to 2012.
Personal Battle: Therapy, Academia, and Advocacy
Away from the limelight, Ruby Wax has been open about her battles with depression and mental health. Far from a PR move, her commitment led her to earn a postgraduate certificate in psychotherapy and counselling from Regent’s College London in 2006. She has since become a tireless advocate, blending science, storytelling, and her signature humour to fight mental health stigma.
Wax’s books, like “How Do You Want Me?” (a Sunday Times bestseller), and stage shows like “Sane New World” and “Frazzled” have impacted countless readers and audiences. She became a patron of the charity Depression Alliance and frequently speaks on mindfulness and psychological resilience. Her OBE honour recognises her contributions to mental health and charity.
The “I’m A Celebrity 2025” Chapter
Why Did She Join?
Wax’s entrance into the 2025 “I’m A Celebrity” line-up surprised many. Famously critical of reality TV, Wax changed her mind after her husband, Jeremy, inspired her to embrace new challenges. Recent endeavours, such as running the London Marathon and participating in “Race Across the World,” demonstrated her willingness to push personal boundaries.
In pre-show interviews, Wax candidly admitted her nerves: “People see you on TV and assume you are that loud, outgoing person. But in real life, take me to a red carpet and I’m the one in the corner saying, ‘please talk to me’”.
How Is Ruby Wax Doing in the Jungle?
From the start, Wax stirred reactions, positive and negative. Her outspoken nature, seen as both entertaining and confrontational, has made her a lightning rod for discussion. Early episodes featured candid on-air moments, from cracking jokes about fellow contestants to struggling through her first Bushtucker Trials (notably, facing her dislike for snakes and insects).
Her jungle presence brings out anecdotes from a life at the centre of celebrity circles, like being thrown off Donald Trump’s plane, which she relayed to both laughter and eye-rolls from fellow participants. She’s also been described as “diva-like” for her complaints about her pre-camp hotel room, prompting some viewers to react strongly on social media.
ITV’s lineup for 2025 includes Ruby, alongside celebrities such as Aitch, Martin Kemp, Lisa Riley, and Jack Osbourne, with the show’s unpredictable tasks and intense group dynamics testing everyone’s temperament.
Media, Social Reactions & Viewer Buzz
Fans and critics are polarised. Social media is awash with commentary: while some find her brash authenticity refreshing, others are calling for her early exit, labelling her “insufferable” or “the diva”. Her no-nonsense American showbiz persona is a stark contrast to British campmates’ understated styles, sparking debates about what viewers want from reality TV.
Yet, in classic Wax fashion, she has also shown moments of unexpected vulnerability and teamwork. Despite a rough start, many viewers have praised her as a possible “dark horse”, someone who could grow on the audience and alter the narrative as the show progresses.
Legacy and Influence Beyond the Jungle
No matter how her jungle stint unfolds, Ruby Wax’s legacy goes far beyond reality TV. As an American who conquered British comedy, a woman who tackled mental health before it was trendy, and a relentless innovator in entertainment and public education, Wax stands as a testament to the power of reinvention.
Her interviews, scripts, books, and speeches have broken new ground, challenging both the establishment and herself. Her willingness to publicly confront her own vulnerabilities provides solace to countless fans facing similar struggles.