When Vogue Williams stepped into the Australian jungle on November 19, 2025, she wasn’t just another reality star seeking fame—she was walking into the shadow of her husband’s past. The 40-year-old Irish TV host and podcast creator joined the 2025 season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!Murwillumbah, New South Wales, leaving behind her husband, Spencer Matthews, their three children, and a marriage that nearly collapsed under the weight of addiction. Her entrance, broadcast live at 9pm GMT on ITV1, STV, and ITVX, immediately sparked a wave of online chatter—not just for her bold presence, but because of what came before.
From Steroids to Sobriety: Spencer Matthews’ Fall and Rise
It’s hard to forget Spencer Matthews’ 2016 exit from the same jungle. After just two days, production discovered he was secretly taking steroid-based medication—intended to bulk up for a charity boxing match that, ironically, never happened. The BBC reported his removal as a “serious error of judgement,” and viewers were stunned. A man known for his polished E4 persona on Made in Chelsea had been caught in a lie that betrayed the show’s spirit of raw authenticity. He was gone before he even had a chance to earn his stripes.
But the real story didn’t end there. What followed was a quiet, painful transformation. In interviews, Spencer admitted he was drinking heavily—so much so that he feared losing Vogue entirely. “There was a certainty that I would lose Vogue if I carried on drinking the way I was drinking,” he confessed on his own podcast, Everything I Know About Me. Vogue later echoed that sentiment on Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail, describing how his daily pub rituals contrasted sharply with her rising career. “He’d be in the pub every single day without fail,” she said. “I was getting cool jobs. He wasn’t.”
The Turning Point: CleanCo and the Cost of Recovery
Spencer didn’t just quit drinking—he built a business around it. He launched CleanCo, an alcohol-free spirit brand, positioning himself as a pioneer in the sober-curious movement. But the journey wasn’t linear. He later admitted to becoming “sanctimonious” around drinkers, alienating friends and even himself. “I feel like there’s an instant level of regret even when I’m doing it,” he said of occasional sips since his sobriety. “That’s why I don’t do it that often.”
His honesty is rare in celebrity culture. Most would bury the past. Spencer chose to wear it like a badge—imperfect, but real. And now, his wife is stepping into the same spotlight he once shattered.
Vogue’s Entry: A Contrast in Courage
Where Spencer’s jungle stint was abrupt and scandalous, Vogue’s is deliberate and deeply personal. At 5’11”, with dark blonde extensions and a sporty build, she introduced herself with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from having weathered storms. She wore her wedding ring, engagement ring, and other jewelry—not as vanity, but as a silent anchor to the life she left behind: Theodore, Gigi, and Otto, her three children in London.
Unlike Spencer, who was removed for breaking rules, Vogue is there by choice. She’s not trying to prove she’s tough—she’s trying to prove she’s human. Her podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me, has built a loyal following by dissecting mental health, relationships, and emotional honesty. Now, she’s bringing that same vulnerability to the jungle.
The Three-Word Tease That Sparked a Fire
While Vogue was navigating the jungle’s trials, Spencer posted a cryptic three-word reply on social media. The exact wording remains unconfirmed, but multiple outlets—including LADbible and Cosmopolitan UK—report it sparked over 87,000 comments in under 24 hours. Fans speculate it was something like “Don’t let them win,” “I’m proud of you,” or “You’ve got this.”
Whatever it was, the reaction tells us something deeper: people aren’t just watching a reality show. They’re watching a redemption arc unfold across two people who once teetered on the edge—and chose to rebuild.
Why This Matters Beyond the Jungle
This isn’t just about celebrity drama. It’s about how addiction reshapes families, how recovery isn’t a straight line, and how public shame can become private strength. Spencer’s steroid scandal was a punchline in 2016. Today, his journey is a case study in accountability. Vogue’s participation isn’t just a TV gig—it’s a quiet act of courage, stepping into a space that once broke her husband, now to show what resilience looks like.
The show’s producers didn’t plan this. But life did. And sometimes, the most powerful reality TV isn’t staged—it’s lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Spencer Matthews leave I'm A Celebrity in 2016?
Spencer Matthews was removed from the 2016 season after just two days when producers discovered he was secretly taking steroid-based medication to prepare for a charity boxing match that never happened. His removal was publicly labeled a "serious error of judgement" by the BBC, and he later admitted the pressure to appear physically perfect contributed to his poor decision.
How did Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews’ marriage nearly end?
Vogue revealed on Elizabeth Day’s podcast that Spencer’s daily alcohol consumption—often starting by 5 p.m.—was emotionally isolating, especially as her career advanced. He admitted on his own podcast that he feared losing her if he didn’t change. Their marriage survived only after he committed to sobriety, launched CleanCo, and accepted that recovery isn’t about perfection.
What is CleanCo, and how is it connected to Spencer Matthews?
CleanCo is an alcohol-free spirit brand founded by Spencer Matthews in 2021 as part of his recovery journey. It was designed to offer sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives for people choosing sobriety. Though he later admitted to becoming overly preachy about drinking, he now allows himself occasional drinks—acknowledging the emotional regret that follows, which keeps him grounded.
Why is Vogue Williams’ participation in 2025 significant compared to Spencer’s 2016 exit?
Spencer’s 2016 exit was a scandal rooted in deception and physical performance pressure. Vogue’s 2025 entry is a conscious, emotional choice—she’s there to face fear, not fame. Her presence highlights how the same jungle can represent failure for one person and quiet triumph for another, especially when viewed through the lens of personal growth and family resilience.
Where is I'm A Celebrity filmed, and why does the location matter?
The show is filmed in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia, in a remote jungle environment that’s intentionally harsh and isolating. The location matters because it strips away comfort and celebrity facades—forcing participants to confront their vulnerabilities. For Spencer, it was a place of shame. For Vogue, it’s becoming a place of healing.
What was the three-word reply Spencer Matthews posted about Vogue’s jungle entry?
The exact wording hasn’t been officially confirmed, but social media analysts and outlets like LADbible suggest it was likely a supportive phrase like "Don’t let them win" or "I’m proud of you." The ambiguity is intentional—it fuels public speculation while reflecting their private, unspoken bond. Whatever it was, it resonated because it felt real, not rehearsed.