If you’re tuning into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and wondering which campmates skip the meat — or prefer vegetarian or vegan meals — you’re definitely not alone. Over the years, several celebrities have entered the jungle with dietary choices that set them apart from their fellow contestants. As the show evolves, so do the accommodations for stars who follow plant-based lifestyles.
How I’m A Celebrity Handles Vegetarians and Vegans
I’m A Celebrity is notorious for its Bushtucker Trials, which often involve animal-based foods. But when a contestant identifies as vegetarian or vegan, producers typically make adjustments. These may include:
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Alternative plant-based meals
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Exemptions from specific eating trials involving animal products
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Special rations not shown on TV
These behind-the-scenes adjustments ensure that vegetarian and vegan contestants can still compete without compromising their beliefs or dietary needs.
Vegetarians and Vegans Who Joined the Show
Below are some of the most memorable plant-based campmates who took on the jungle — and how they managed their diets while competing.
James McVey
James, a member of The Vamps, famously entered the jungle as a committed vegetarian. He avoided meat-based camp meals and stuck to vegetarian foods throughout his stay. His appearance brought attention to how the show supports plant-based contestants and sparked conversations about representation in reality TV.
Fleur East
Before joining the show, Fleur was widely believed to be vegan or closely following a plant-based lifestyle. While she embraced veganism for fitness and personal health at various times, she did not maintain a strict vegan diet inside the jungle. Her participation highlighted how demanding the camp environment can be — especially for contestants used to structured meal plans.
Boy George
Boy George has long been associated with vegetarian and partly vegan lifestyles. Before exploring the idea of joining I’m A Celebrity, he made it known he would participate only if the show could reasonably accommodate a plant-based approach. Although he isn’t strictly vegan, his strong stance has been part of the larger conversation around dietary accommodations in reality shows.
Alan Halsall
More recently, Alan Halsall revealed that he received “special treatment” in the jungle because of his vegetarian diet. He was provided plant-based alternatives when the group earned meals that would normally feature meat. The public doesn’t always see these adjustments on-screen, but his comments confirm that production takes vegetarian diets seriously.
Lisa Riley (2025 Season)
In the latest season (as of now), Lisa Riley entered the jungle as a confirmed vegetarian. Her diet exempts her from participating in eating trials involving insects or animal products, and she receives plant-based substitutes during meals and challenges. Her participation further illustrates the show’s growing flexibility and willingness to accommodate diverse eating lifestyles.
Why a Vegetarian Diet Changes the Jungle Experience
Living in the jungle is already tough, but being vegetarian or vegan adds unique challenges — and advantages.
1. Eating Trial Exemptions
Vegetarian and vegan contestants are typically excused from animal-based eating challenges, which are some of the show’s most iconic (and famously disgusting) moments.
2. Special Meal Preparation
Producers often prepare alternative meals for plant-based participants, such as tofu, beans, or extra vegetables. These meals aren’t always included in the episodes viewers see.
3. Increased Public Scrutiny
Whenever a vegetarian or vegan contestant appears to eat something questionable, fans take notice. This can lead to online debates, clarifications from PR teams, or explanations from the celebrities themselves.
What This Means for U.S. Viewers
While I’m A Celebrity is a UK reality show, U.S. audiences have shown growing interest — especially as plant-based diets continue to rise stateside. For U.S. viewers:
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It’s encouraging to see mainstream reality TV accommodate ethical or health-based diets.
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Seeing vegetarians and vegans thrive in a survivalist setting reinforces that plant-based lifestyles are versatile and adaptable.
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These contestants help broaden representation in a genre often associated with extreme physical and emotional challenges.
The Growing Presence of Plant-Based Campmates
From James McVey to Lisa Riley, I’m A Celebrity is steadily including more cast members with plant-based diets. And as vegetarianism and veganism gain popularity worldwide, it’s likely that future seasons will feature even more stars who choose not to eat meat.
Although sticking to a plant-based diet in the jungle isn’t always easy, contestants continue to push for better accommodations and representation. And audiences — especially in countries like the U.S. — are paying close attention.