Ashley Roberts, the 44-year-old pop star and radio DJ from Arizona, is making headlines as she participates in the 2026 series of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa. This marks her return to reality television after being the runner-up in the 2012 season of the show in Australia.
Roberts, who was a member of the Pussycat Dolls from 2001 to 2010 and again in 2019, has expressed her feelings about the new series, stating, “I’m still traumatised – probably more now than even before.” This admission highlights the intense nature of the challenges she is facing, including a daunting cliff-edge jigsaw challenge that stands at 140 feet.
Despite her previous hesitations, having refused to participate in the show two years prior, Roberts decided to take on the challenge again. “When I got the call, I knew it was going to be nuts again, but what a beautiful gift the programme gave me and so I said ‘yes’,” she remarked, indicating her desire to prove herself.
Roberts has been busy in her career outside of reality TV as well. Since joining Heart Radio in 2019, she has become a presenter for Heart 00s as of 2022, showcasing her versatility beyond music. Additionally, she has a new single and is set to embark on a world tour starting in March 2026.
In the latest episodes of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa, the challenges have escalated, with one involving a bridge that towers at 150 feet. Roberts has described the experience as “everything was more extreme, more dirty, bigger portions, like, nastier, smellier, just everything taken to the nth degree, times ten.” This reflects the heightened stakes and intensity of the current season.
Observers note that her participation in the show is not just about entertainment; it also serves as a personal challenge for Roberts, who has expressed a desire to engage in wild experiences. “There also comes a time when you want to challenge yourself a little bit, and I was like, ‘I’m going to prove myself, I can do some wild things,'” she stated.
As the series progresses, fans and followers are eager to see how Roberts navigates the trials ahead and whether she can overcome her past traumas associated with the show. Details remain unconfirmed about her potential outcomes in the competition, but her journey is already captivating audiences worldwide.