It’s not uncommon for a former sporting favorite to transition into the world of reality television long after hanging up their professional gear, yet snooker sensation Kyren Wilson seems eager to join the ranks of reality stars while still at the peak of his athletic career. The reigning world champion, known for his exceptional skill on the green baize, is set to face off against Stephen Maguire in the much-anticipated first round of the UK Championship on Monday. This prestigious Triple Crown event represents a significant opportunity for Wilson, who is aiming for his first title victory at this tournament, a milestone in his already impressive career.
Wilson, currently holding the esteemed position of world No. 2, has expressed a whimsical desire to participate in a reality show, knowing exactly how he’d fill his time if he weren’t focused on the games unfolding in York. His interest aligns with the ongoing popular ITV series, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which is currently captivating audiences with its roster of famous contestants, including boxing legend Barry McGuigan and Coleen Rooney, the wife of former England captain Wayne Rooney, who have both bravely ventured into the jungles of Australia.
At 32 years old, Wilson has openly shared his ambition to experience the challenges of the Australian outback, particularly in the picturesque setting of Murwillumbah, New South Wales. He has even broached the subject of spending three weeks in the iconic jungle with his wife, fascinated by the idea of immersing himself in such a daring adventure.
“I’d love a stint in the Jungle,” he revealed to SportsBoom. “It’s quite funny actually. I’m a big fan of the show and I was watching it with my wife, and it was the episode where their families were giving them a luxury item each…Sophie said she would give me a game of UNO.” Wilson’s enthusiasm for the show highlights the whimsical side of a professional athlete’s life, often overshadowed by the intensity of competition.
However, the scheduling of the show poses a significant conflict for dedicated snooker professionals like Wilson. Each year, the reality series airs concurrently with the crucial tournament at the York Barbican, which presents a formidable dilemma for competitors aiming for success. “The only problem for me is the UK Championship will always take priority,” he acknowledged. “I always like testing myself, so I’d definitely give it a go. I’ve sky-dived from 13,000 feet before so I’ve ticked that one off. But I think fear wise it would be spiders, I’m not a fan of spiders.”
Wilson’s aspirations aren’t unique to him, as other stars within the snooker realm share similar sentiments about reality television. In fact, back in 2022, the current world No. 1, Judd Trump, expressed his own interest in participating, while also voicing the shared concern of navigating encounters with the jungle’s wildlife. “I’m a Celebrity is the real big one,” he shared with Eurosport. “Never say never to that one, it’s one that I would probably want to give a go but I absolutely hate any creepy-crawly things, spiders and snakes. So I would struggle with the challenges.”
Throughout the history of the show, various sporting figures have been crowned the ‘King or Queen’ of the jungle, including cricketing great Phil Tufnell, motorcycling legend Carl Fogarty, football manager Harry Redknapp, and ex-Lioness Jill Scott. The latter made history by being the most recent champion, triumphing in 2022, and solidifying her place among the celebrated winners.
**Interview with Kyren Wilson: Balancing Snooker Stardom and Reality TV Aspirations**
**Interviewer:** Kyren, thanks for joining us today. It’s exciting to see you at the peak of your snooker career. How are you feeling as you prepare to face Stephen Maguire in the first round of the UK Championship?
**Kyren Wilson:** Thanks for having me! I’m feeling really good, actually. It’s always a thrilling experience to compete in a prestigious event like the UK Championship. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully making it deep into the tournament.
**Interviewer:** You’re currently ranked world No. 2 and already a reigning champion. Yet, you’ve expressed a lighthearted desire to join reality television. What sparked this interest?
**Kyren Wilson:** (Laughs) It might sound a bit odd, but I’ve always enjoyed watching shows like *I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!*. My wife and I binge it every season. I think being in that kind of rugged environment would be an incredible adventure! It’s a way to escape the intensity of the snooker table and experience something totally different.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned an interest in experiencing the challenges of the Australian outback. Is there a specific aspect of the show that appeals to you the most?
**Kyren Wilson:** I find the mix of survival skills and the camaraderie between contestants really fascinating. It’s about facing your fears, trying new things, and even making new friends. Plus, the location is stunning! Imagining myself in the lush jungles of Murwillumbah sounds exciting.
**Interviewer:** Given your busy schedule with snooker, how would you manage the time commitment of participating in a show like that?
**Kyren Wilson:** It would definitely be a juggling act! But I’m a big believer in balancing work and fun. If I weren’t focused on snooker, I think participating in something like *I’m a Celebrity* would be an amazing way to unwind and experience something completely unique.
**Interviewer:** With your focus on the UK Championship, how do you stay in the right mindset for such high-stakes matches while entertaining these other interests?
**Kyren Wilson:** It’s all about keeping perspective. I love snooker and have dedicated a lot to it, but I also appreciate having other passions. They help me recharge and keep me motivated. As long as I maintain my focus during competition, I think indulging in other interests only enriches my life overall.
**Interviewer:** You might not be in the jungle yet, but has your wife, Sophie, mentioned any thoughts about joining you if you were to participate?
**Kyren Wilson:** Absolutely! Sophie is just as enthusiastic about the idea. We often joke about what item we would choose to take into the jungle. The thought of sharing that experience with her makes it even more appealing.
**Interviewer:** Well, best of luck in your upcoming match, Kyren, and with your potential future endeavors in reality TV!
**Kyren Wilson:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Snooker first, jungle later!
