Georgia’s no Toff .. her dad’s in scrap
IT’S SNAKE ROCK FOR KEZIA AFTER BUDGET TASK BLUES But proud father Gary stays in the background to protect her image
GEORGIA Toffolo impresses I’m A Celebrity viewers as being every inch the posh, privately educated star.
But she is a toff only by name, not by nature. The 23-year-old has working-class roots – and a dad in the scrap metal trade.
Her father Gary Bennett is still based in Torquay, Devon, where Georgia grew up and is tickled pink with her achievements.
He said: “I’ve been proud of her all the way. I’m just a normal guy who works for himself.
“I’m extremely proud of what she’s doing and where she is at the moment.”
Gary watched at home from a £200,000 flat in a property he is renovating as Georgia – who was worth £800,000 when she entered the jungle – competed in the Worst Dates task.
And viewers saw her walk the plank from a 334ft high skyscraper last Sunday.
Gary said: “Georgia on that plank was amazingly brave. I couldn’t do it. But there’s a long way to go so I don’t want to jump up and down yet.”
Despite her humble roots, Georgia lives a glamorous life, partying with millionaires in London’s socialite scene.
But Gary said: “Sometimes she has a bit of normality in Devon. It makes me cringe, the image portrayed of how she lives.”
Gary, 52, paid for Georgia to attend Blundells and The Maynard School in Exeter, saying: “I’m a strong believer in education.”
She then went to the Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and started a law degree at the University of Westminster – but she has admitted she didn’t finish it before working for a firm of solicitors in Devon.
Gary said: “With all that came this glitzy stuff. She was in those social circles so that’s how it went.
“Georgia embraced it and ended up in London. I’m proud of her confidence and independence to have carved a career for herself.”
Gary split from Nicola Toffolo when Georgia was a baby but they have remained amicable.
Ex-motor industry worker Gary was in Ibiza with Georgia this summer while she filmed a Made in Chelsea special. During her breaks, they hung out at the Ocean Beach Ibiza.
But Gary did not appear in any of the images Georgia posted of herself – though she regularly posts selfies with mum Nicola and even her grandad, Bertie Toffolo.
Gary said he understands that Georgia needs to portray a certain image on her social media channels.
He added: “Georgia’s Instagram is business for her.
“Her mum and that side of the family fit the image better.
“Georgia and I are close and socialise in London. I’m happy with that, I don’t want to be on there anyway. “I’m glad about how she’s conducting her business – she’s doing a great job.”
Asked about his role in the scrap metal industry, Gary said: “That’s a part of it, I do recycling and non-hazardous waste removal.”
Speaking of his daughter’s prospects after she completes her stint in the jungle, he said: “It’s going to elevate her career, so I’m really happy.”