‘Somuch hashappened since the jungle’
Reigning I’m A Celeb queen Jac Jossa chats family life, fitness and why she loves busting her moves on social media
Not many people can describe themselves as ‘TV royalty’, but former EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa can do just that after she was crowned Queen of the Jungle in last year’s
I’m A Celebrity.
Since then, the 27 year old has continued to ride the roller coaster of her newfound popularity, taking social media by storm with her hilarious lip-syncing TikTok videos as well as signing a lucrative In The Style fashion deal.
And while the mum-of-two has had a rough time in recent weeks, with her hubby Dan Osborne confirming he’d cheated on her after years of rumours, Jac has decided to forgive him and they’re focusing on the future.
She’s also thrown herself into work, teaming up with Diversity star Ashley Banjo for Peperami’s new TikTok challenge, in which she goes headto-head with other famous faces to show off her best moves.
Here, Jac opens up about the highs and lows of lockdown, her favourite way to keep in shape, and why she’s so proud of her girls, Ella, five, and Mia, two…
Hi Jac! How was lockdown for you and the family?
We’ve been so lucky with the weather so we had lots of sunny days in the garden, making dens and watching movies. We also set up a big screen with beanbags and blankets. The kids have been so well-behaved throughout – I really feel for all the little ones who have been stuck at home rather than out playing with their friends and going to school. So we went on walks, baked and coloured. I’m all home-schooled out!
Did you start any new hobbies?
When you have two young children, there isn’t much time for hobbies! I worked a lot from home throughout lockdown, too. All parents can relate to juggling even at the best of times and lockdown has proved just how busy our lives are.
What were the best and worst moments?
The worst was not being able to let the kids have their freedom. I really felt for them, but they were honestly so amazing and dealt with it brilliantly. I couldn’t be prouder. And the best moment was probably having that time at home that I wouldn’t have had. I came out of the jungle and then it felt like within a matter of weeks lockdown began, so I cherished that time at home.
You’ve also joined TikTok. Has that been an escape from everything going on?
Not an escape – but certainly a lot of fun! It kept us all entertained for hours and I’ve been obsessed with some of the lip-syncing videos. I love TikTok! It’s here to stay.
What do you like most about it?
It’s fun and has made everyone quite creative in lockdown. I couldn’t edit videos and create content like this a couple of years ago. I do a lot of silly dancing and mucking around on social media. My followers love to see the real me online, and that’s usually at home having fun with the kids.
You’ve been showing us your dance moves as well…
Yes, I was really up for learning the dance challenge created by Ashley Banjo. He is a legend.
Are you a good dancer?
I’m not bad! I love to dance, sing and act, of course. I run a performing arts academy so it’s part of my job to bring confidence to kids and adults through performing. Dancing isn’t my number one skill but it’s a great way to get in shape.
Are the girls following in your performing footsteps?
The kids love a boogie around the living room. They are a bit young to
decide what they want to do but I’ll support their dreams always.
How do you look back on your time in the
jungle?
I’m
A Celeb So much has happened in the world since then, it’s crazy to think that I came home and it was Christmas. Little did we know what was in store for us all this year! So it does feel like a long time ago. But in there, I faced all of my fears – remember my final spider challenge? It was horrendous! Now I feel like I’d pick up any insect quite easily. I loved being outside and sleeping outside. It really is the best adventure and a trip of a lifetime. I miss it!
‘I miss being in the jungle – it was the trip of a lifetime’
What’s next for you this year?
I haven’t set myself many challenges but I do love working hard. I would love to keep fit, and I’ve got some exciting projects coming up which I’m currently helping bring to life. I’ll be grateful for everything that comes my way.
Peperami has unveiled the world’s most expensive Peperami, worth £1,500. To get your hands on one you can take part in a #MeatTheBeat challenge, running on social media until the end of September and featuring Jacqueline, Ashley Banjo, Perri Kiely and football freestyler Liv Cooke