Tulisa Contostavlos says I’m A Celebrity appearance ‘isn’t a career move for me’

Tulisa Contostavlos, the singer from N-Dubz, has stated that her participation in the 2024 season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is not a strategic step in her career. She emphasized that her aim is to be her genuine, authentic self.

The 36-year-old, who guided Little Mix to victory on The X Factor in 2011, expressed that being well-liked by the show's viewers would indicate that she is on the right track in her life.

Contostavlos, known for her hit single "Young" that topped the UK charts, will share the spotlight with a variety of guests when the show makes its comeback on ITV1 at 9 PM this Sunday. Among those joining her are former boxer Barry McGuigan, podcaster GK Barry, and Danny Jones from the band McFly.

When discussing why she decided to join I'm A Celebrity, she explained, "My main goal is to genuinely be myself."

"If my true self resonates with a lot of people, it shows that I'm on the right path in life."

"I'm not actively seeking it out, though. This isn't about advancing my career. I plan to return to N-Dubz, and this is just a unique opportunity."

The singer from London likened her upcoming appearance on the show to the adventures in Lord of the Rings.

She said, "I feel like Frodo Baggins embarking on an unforeseen adventure."

This year, I have a strong desire to explore new experiences, and being where I am right now inspires me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things.

"I've always claimed that I wouldn't participate in this show before, due to certain aspects that have frightened me."

"However, the person I’ve become today is ready to embrace life without hesitation."

Contostavlos hasn't informed her fellow band members about her participation in the show, but she mentioned that the friends she has shared the news with are "super excited."

She mentioned, “They believe it will be beneficial for others to get to know the real me instead of just the way I’m perceived. There’s a significant difference between the two, and they’re really looking forward to it.”

"I simply want to be in a situation where I can truly be myself."

As part of the group N-Dubz, alongside Fazer and Dappy, Contostavlos reached the top 10 of the UK singles chart four times and also had four albums make it to the UK top 10. In addition to her music career, she appeared in the horror film *Demons Never Die* and the comedy *Big Fat Gypsy Gangster*, both released in 2011.