After months of rumours, I’m a Celebrity‘s 2025 lineup has officially been confirmed by ITV, and it’s fair to say that the highly-photographed airport in Australia has welcomed some big names this week. One of those is comedian and media personality Eddie Kadi. And if you’re looking for a little more info about who he is and what he’s appeared in before, you’ve come to the right place. (We’ve also got you covered if you’d like to read a little bit more about who AngryGinge is, or if taking a look back over Kelly Brook’s 28-year-long career is more your thing.)
Eddie Kadi has hinted that I’m a Celebrity will show audiences a different side to him: “They are going to see a side where they will realise they can have a serious conversation with me,” he explained. “I’m a warm person and a good listener.”
The comedian also told ITV that he’ll probably take on the ‘Dad’ role in the camp, before adding that “doing this programme is a beautiful thing.”
His family are also “excited”, he says, also revealing that if he were to become the “King of the Jungle” this year, his daughter would be “the proudest daughter in the world.”
Let’s rewind to 2010. After selling out the indigO2 venue, stand-up Eddie Kadi was invited to headline the main arena – marking a history-making first for a Black British comedian.
Guy Levy//BBC
As well as being a successful and award-winning comedian, Eddie Kadi is also a presenter. He has a role at BBC Radio 1Xtra, where he currently hosts the official UK Afrobeats Chart Show and regularly invites guests to talk about their new music. He also hosts the Man Like You podcast, alongside friend and former I’m a Celebrity campmate Babatunde Aléshé, as well as Mo Gilligan.
On screen, Eddie Kadi has a number of acting credits to his name. Perhaps most notably, he took a role in the 2011 film Anuvahood, which also starred the likes of Richard Blackwood, Ashley Walters, Paul Kaye and Adam Deacon (also the director). Prior to this, Eddie Kadi also played a lead in the 2007 short film Area Boys, which premiered at the London Film Festival.
In 2023, Eddie became a celebrity contestant in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with pro dancer Karen Hauer for the competition. At the time of his announcement (he was the fifth reveal on the lineup that year), he explained: “Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am…
“I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.”
And he really did give it his all, becoming the first to be awarded a 10 on his series! These impressive moves came during Movie Week, which saw the dancing duo selecting a Couple’s Choice street dance routine to the accompaniment of the Men in Black theme tune. Judge Shirley Ballas was so dazzled, that she decided to award them the maximum score.
BBC
“Being able to share that with Eddie was fantastic,” Karen, who had also previously been awarded a 10 for a street dance routine with former 2020 contestant Jamie Laing, said at the time.
Sadly, Eddie and Karen then went on to become the fourth pair to be eliminated from the BBC ballroom that year.
”I’ve really enjoyed this, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do — I love dancing,” he told host Tess Daly after the result was revealed. “This has been the highest moment of my career — it’s the happiest I’ve ever been, but not just for me, my family, my little baby girl is at home doing the Men in Black dance.”
Getty Images
Related: I’m a Celebrity winner says it was “a mistake” going on the show
“More importantly, this little African boy, I just wanted my culture to shine,” he added. “Everything I stand for, when it comes to my comedy, when it comes to my presenting, is based on my culture, is based on my upbringing and I wanted that to shine most importantly.”
Now Eddie Kadi is heading into the I’m a Celebrity jungle, which he has revealed he said ‘yes’ to “immediately”, because, “you only live once…”
I’m a Celebrity… airs on ITV1 and ITVX nightly from Sunday 16 November at 9pm.
Read more I’m a Celebrity news on our dedicated homepage
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Ariana & Witches in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
linkedIn
