ALL HAIL THE VERY FIRST QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE… Miss Casey Donovan!
Breaking out into a fit of giggles, the 28-year-old was shocked by the outcome.
We, however, couldn’t be more pleased to see her seated on her rightful throne!
In the first moments of her reign, Casey thanked (both verbally and through sign language) her fans for their support.
No doubt she’ll be overjoyed to hand over that glorious $100,000 check to the Starlight Foundation.
Dane was very pleased for the singer, and equally as stoked to be in the top two.
“It was absolutely amaze, it’s fine, if one person deserved it in here, it was Casey,” he said after the announcement.
“From what she’s been through, and how much she’s grown, she deserved it a lot more than me, I couldn’t be happier to be runner-up to the most amazing person in the camp. I’m super happy she won.”
Despite the third-place gaffes, fans were delighted by the outcome of the show.
One proudly took to Facebook and wrote, “Queen of the Jungle!! So happy Casey won, she has accomplished so much in the past 6 weeks and has been fun and entertaining to watch! Casey remember to step out of your comfort zone and believe in your self once you are back out in the real world, wishing you all the best for your future!”
Another praised Casey, saying, “Australian Idol & I’m a celebrity get me out of here! Well done casey on some very amazing achievements! I hope this makes you realise how much everyone adores you! You can do anything if you just believe you can❤️”
One lady, Christie Hogan, shared a deeply personal comment, that had many fellow Casey supporters clicking “like.”
“Congrats Casey!!! As an anxiety sufferer you have inspired me with your take no bull kick ass attitude. Thank you for putting yourself out there Casey… it was so worth your while…. the world got to know the real Casey and it’s so great to see you back on telly!!! Can’t wait to see what you get up to next!!”
The entire nation is roarin’ for you.
In what felt like another six weeks, Dane and Casey officially left camp…
While awaiting to hear who would take out the coveted crown, Julia and Chris chatted to the pair about their experience.
“I’m surprised I’m here. I’m beside myself but I’m so proud. It’s something you’d only do once,” the songstress remarked about her time on the reality show.
Speaking of returning to the outside world and the trials she may face, Casey mused, “I think I’m going to have to take it under my wing. Facing [issues] when they arise. Biting the bullet and not taking any crap.”
Casey and Dane soared as our top two.
The top three formed a close bond.
Meanwhile, let’s give a big cheer for third runner-up, Natalie Bassingthwaighte…
The stunning mum-of-two may not be the queen of the jungle but she held a solid reign.
The 41-year-old admitted despite the challenging conditions, it was being away from her little ones that tore her heart the most.
What made it worthwhile for her? Nat was representing the Sister2Sister organisation and she was overjoyed to give them a public platform.
The Rogue Trader star was asked by Lady Morris who she wants to see take out the series… And of course she was rooting for a Queen of Jungle with Casey.
What a stellar effort from Nat.
The finale didn’t come without some drama after Nazeem Hussain accidentally let slip that Natalie had come in at third place.
Chatting about what he’d been up to in the past 24 hours, Naz remarked to Julia, “They’re all worthy. It’s sort of sad to see Nat come third because they should all be first.”
Both Dr Chris and Julia, who are usually unflappable, were very flustered by the comment, and the live TV audience were frozen to their seats.
The beloved vet tried desperately to backpedal, telling viewers that Naz’s comments were simply a prediction.
“Naz thinks Nat’s going out next, we’ll see,” a frantic Chris stuttered before cutting to an urgent ad break.
However, it seems the most logical explanation is that the producers had pre-taped the winner’s announcements a few minutes ahead of time so the packages could be properly edited, in the interim they have cut back to the live audience without briefing them on the TV trickery.
Don’t worry Naz, you’re not to blame and Warren Beatty definitely feels your pain.
Responding with his trademark humour, the 30-year-old re-tweeted a series of lol-worthy tweets and GIFs including this genius quip: “what are tonights [sic] winning Lotto numbers??”
Before adding rather ironically: “Who saw that coming? Not me. What.”
What’s a live event without a little bit of drama?
Some fans on social media seem to think a little more is at play.
One mused, “So not only did Naz announce that Nat was leaving. But not long after when Chris and Julia were presenting not long ago there was a shot of just Casey and Dane on the tv screen in the back. Good job guys!”
While another remarked, “Naz did announce it but the voting had closed so it was only a little slip up.”
Earlier in the finale episode, the golden trio kicked off the beginning of the end with a thrilling final tucker trial, filled with Dane’s composure, Casey’s giggles and Nat’s signature squeal.
But things soon took a rather starchy turn…
The celebs were put to the ultimate test, undergoing the jungle’s version of getting ready for a red carpet.
The trio went into the challenge with hope and anticipation, only to come undone by not a deadly animal, or disgusting innards but rather the humble corn flour.
All three contestants got stuck in a pit of “non-Newtonian fluid”… Julia and Chris advise us it’s corn flour mixed with “other” non-descript items.
After nearly 30 minutes of being stuck, all three were freed and earned the well-deserved stars for their final night in the South African jungle.
Congrats again, Queen Casey, it’s been a joy having you back on our screens and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
