GK Barry's rise to stardom as she could land 'new reality show' with girlfriend Ella Rutherford

ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021 star GK Barry has been a huge hit with viewers since entering the jungle - but she's been a star in the making for years

When the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2024 line-up was announced, many were left scratching their heads and asking, "Who is GK Barry? " However, just two weeks into her jungle stint, 25 year old GK Barry, whose real name is Grace Eleanor Keeling, has become a household name. The social media starlet, who's been longing for her moment on I'm A Celeb, gushed about her participation: "Too right I'm a super fan! [Ant and Dec] went, 'What is a GK Barry? ', and now we have gone from that to me being on the show. It has gone full circle. I can't wait to meet them in Australia in the jungle. I am also excited to meet everyone on the programme, as the cast is always amazing."

Despite her massive online following, with 3.7 million TikTok fans and over 60,000 YouTube subscribers, she admitted to being petrified of "everything" and revealed she hadn't "slept in a month" due to nerves. Competing with celebs like Danny Jones, Coleen Rooney, Oti Mabuse, Jane Moore, Tulisa Contostavlos, Alan Halsall, Barry McGuigan, Dean McCullough, and Melvin Odoom, plus late arrivals Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles, GK Barry knows some of the older viewers might not recognise her, reports OK!.

"Do you know what? I'm aware that I'm going to go in there and no one's going to know who I am," she said. "So I need to make a good first impression, but I'm always that person who makes friends with older people. If I'm in a room with someone, I'm going to go to the mums. So I feel like, hopefully they see that from me and end up liking me. And if they don't, I'll just book an early flight home. That's absolutely fine." The social media sensation has already experienced ups and downs, having been spotted with mascara streaming down her face after a tough encounter with cockroaches in the jungle's Hell Hole, where she was hunting for a key – her comical shrieks during frightening moments have become legendary among fans.

GK's journey might get even more challenging as it was disclosed that she's been chosen by viewers to undertake the Vile Volcano Bushtucker Trial. Upon hearing the news, the TikTok star broke down in tears and humorously remarked, "I'm going to die", while her fellow campmates offered comfort. Yet, as this year's batch of stars tackle the astonishing challenges of jungle life, GK is undoubtedly carving out a vital niche for herself – injecting a dose of levity and laughter whenever the camp atmosphere needs a boost.

"I think people assume I am always full on but I'm actually a calm person," she remarked, alluding to her usual on-screen energy before she jetted off to Oz. GK is no stranger to the small screen – with a degree in film from Nottingham Trent University under her belt, she has even contributed to the BBC soap 'Doctors'. Moreover, this year marked her history-making entrance as the youngest-ever panellist on ITV's Loose Women. Talking about her new role, GK, who split her early years between the British Virgin Islands and the UK, declared, "It's iconic that I'm the youngest one there. I feel like I've actually done something. I can give my two cents, and everyone has to listen to it."

She has voiced her concerns about being undervalued due to age. "I feel like [our generation] is overlooked," GK explained, highlighting the fresh perspective she introduces at meetings, spurring lively debates. "Because we're 'young', you know? ". Further discussing her impact on the audience, GK added, "I feel like it's quite nice to maybe get a different, like another demographic, listening to me. Obviously, I've got Gen Z down but I think it would be nice to have, like, a bit of a different audience as well to be included in so, yeah, I think it's quite exciting."

GK Barry's impact stretches well beyond her social media presence. In the midst of lockdown in April 2022, she launched her podcast 'Saving Grace', which quickly soared to incredible heights. Since its inception, she's welcomed a glittering array of celebrities to her show, such as Gemma Collins, Chris Hughes, Katie Price, and Louie Spence. The podcast's roaring success has led to a UK tour with tickets flying off the shelves for shows running from February to March 2024. She's also gearing up for an unforgettable Christmas bash at the legendary OVO Arena Wembley, hosting the 'Saving Grace XXXMas Special' this December.

Moreover, GK has been a trailblazer in encouraging open discussions about sexuality among the younger crowd. On 'I'm A Celeb', she shared her own coming out story, revealing that she met her girlfriend Ella "by accident" on Instagram and initially kept it from her parents. When they eventually inquired about who she was spending so much time with, GK disclosed their relationship, happily noting her parents "never had an issue with it".

Currently, GK's stint in the jungle is being cheered on by her partner, footballer Ella Rutherford. The relationship first got a nod on GK's podcast where Ella was referred to as "Eyelashes", but it was officially confirmed by Ella herself in August this year with a birthday post on Instagram. Grace has since spoken candidly about their bond – her first with another woman – confessing she will "never go back to a man".

Now, as the outspoken rising star continues to compete for the title of Queen of the Jungle, industry insiders believe she has a strong chance of making it to the final. Dermot McNamara, founder of talent agency Candid, said, "Aside from Nessa Rose last year, this is one of the few times an influencer or TikTok star has entered the jungle, so it's likely viewers didn't know what to expect from her. GK has done a fantastic job and, it's early days, but there's nothing to say she won't make the final."

"She's got that likability factor and being open and honest has always been her style of content. GK is staying true to herself but also setting a good example to young girls. Talking about her coming out story, for example, encourages others to voice their opinions." The PR expert also predicted this could be a prime chance for GK to "expand her CV" to cement her stardom. "She's savvy when it comes to business – her podcast really took off during lockdown and she's already had some great interviews. This appearance on such a high-profile show gives her the chance to be known beyond just her own core audience. GK knows she needs to maintain relevance, and diversify into different areas."

"Loose Women was a great starting point for her to expand into the world of TV and it's likely ITV is viewing her as their "next big star". A spin-off show with her girlfriend Ella could be on the horizon – like a fly-on-the-wall reality series. Commercial deals, which GK already does, could come in thick and fast, too. She's already commercially friendly and viable – she's worked with Pretty Little Thing, is the face of Wagamama and has a jewellery line. It's likely she'll have her pick of anything."

GK herself shared that she was hoping to boost her TV career following her jungle stint, much like former winners Emily Atack and Vicky Pattison. She confessed she wasn't "doing this show for fun" and it was "a good step forward" as she hoped the people she meets in the jungle could help with "future jobs". There's nothing like honesty – and, well, it sounds like the world could be GK's oyster....

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