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EXCLUSIVE: “I’m Australia’s biggest loser!” Shannon Noll opens up about post-jungle life

Nollsie talks I’m A Celebrity, his upcoming album and being the country’s favourite runner up.

2018 has been a big year for Shannon Noll. Not only did he finish I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in second place (it was like that 2003 Idol robbery all over again), but he’s also been on tour for his new album, struck up a partnership with Menulog and is juggling family life too.

We at Now To Love had an exclusive chat with Nollsie to see just what he’s been up to and what he has in store for the rest of the year.

So how is post jungle life treating you?

Yeah, really busy, I’ve just been trying to raise my profile. But the tour is going fantastic, heading off to Perth this weekend so yeah, really busy.

Congratulations on making it through to the very end of the show! What was the toughest thing about living in the jungle?

Oh it was probably not knowing what’s going on back home. It’s a little bit unnerving worrying about everyone back home, especially with teenage kids. We were told if anything serious happened we’d get a phone call but you can’t just call up and see how they’re going. It went really slow, you have no concept of time or the outside world when you’re in there.

You had a special signal with your wife to let her know you were ok though, didn’t you?

Yeah, I would wipe my brow to say I’m ok. But of course once the show’s been edited you don’t know what’s been cut so I’m pretty sure she only saw me wipe my brow twice!

Clever! Shannon and his wife Rochelle shared a secret signal while he was in the South African jungle.

And the food situation must have been tough too.

Oh yeah, well I lost 11.5kg! When we were all around the campfire, all we ever talked about was food, food was on everyone’s mind.

You also released an album while you were in the jungle, how’s that all going?

Well it’s been so long since I’ve had an album out, A Million Suns [Shannon’s last album] came out seven years ago, so I wanted to make the best album I could and didn’t want to settle for second best.

You showed a more serious side this year when you and Danny Green clashed over changing the Australia Day date. How have people reacted to that?

Mate, to be honest, it hasn’t come up. I just think this conversation should be had and the more people communicate about the issue, the better the result. Aboriginal people have a right to voice their concerns and I just think it needs to be talked about more.

We love seeing that Guy Sebastian still trolls you on social media after all these years, do you two have a reunion planned soon?

Haha yeah we keep in contact but we’re both out touring and both have families so it’s a bit tougher these days. We are due for a catch up though.

You’re quite the Aussie icon, your Facebook page is hilarious and there’s even a massive mural of your face in South Sydney. How does that make you feel?

I’m Australia’s biggest loser, aren’t I? [Laughs] That mural was amazing, I had no idea it was happening so it took me by complete surprise. So yeah, I really appreciate it all.

So what’s in store for the rest of the year? Can you believe we’re already half way through the year?

I know, it’s crazy! I’ll be on tour around the country, it’s going to be a big one.

Shannon at the launch of Menulog’s first ever pop-up store 25/7, which aims to help Aussies gain that extra hour back that they would have spent cooking and cleaning.

Want more celebrity gossip? Listen to the latest episode of Woman’s Day Uncensored, where the team discuss Alex and Brendan Fevola’s baby news, share their verdict on the new reality series Love Island and reveal Prince Harry is searching for an Australian escape for him and Meghan Markle!

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