From the Jungle to the Heart: I’m A Celebrity' Proves Vulnerability is the Ultimate Survival Skill

BY EZE O.

I was gutted when man like Melvin (Odoom) was voted out of the jungle on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” on ITV earlier this week. Watching TV presenter and radio DJ Melvin in the jungle reminded me how important it is to see people like us on TV, doing their thing and being real with it. Melvin was great TV but more importantly was his representation as a great role model and vulnerability. Watching Melvin, face a tough day in the jungle, I couldn’t help but feel emotional myself as he openly struggled. What stood out even more was the way his fellow campmate, Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, stepped in to support him. She reminded Melvin (and all of us) why it’s so significant for people like them to succeed in the public eye.

“You are doing so well Melvin and everyone will be proud of you, I promise you, it's ok, you're human," she said. Oti went on to say: "Remember why we're here, the thing why you and I are pushing is because this is bigger than just you and I and we constantly have to remember why we're here, what we stand for and who is watching us. And what it means when we do well. You know what it means? That's why we wake up every day."

This ain’t just about surviving the jungle. It’s about showing people, especially Black people, that we belong in these spaces, and that we can thrive out here no matter what. Black representation in mainstream media and the value of men expressing vulnerability should not be underestimated.

Oti’s words to Melvin spoke to a reality I’ve seen over and over; how vital it is to see people who look like us thriving in their fields. Representation matters. It empowers. It gives hope, especially to young people who may feel invisible or limited by society. For Black Britons, whose stories don’t always get told, and our wins sometimes are overlooked, seeing role models like Melvin and Oti on-screen proves that barriers can be broken.

Their presence in the jungle wasn’t just entertainment; it was a reminder of the power of diversity in media. When Black individuals take up space on TV, they challenge stereotypes, inspire ambition, and create a sense of belonging for communities that often feel marginalised. Watching them succeed feels like a win for all of us.

What struck me just as deeply was Melvin’s willingness to share his struggles so openly. Society teaches men, especially Black men, to bury their emotions, equating vulnerability with weakness. But Melvin turned that idea on its head. By expressing his pain and asking for support, he showed incredible strength, sending a message that all men, regardless of background, need to hear.

Oti’s kindness in that moment reminded me how crucial it is to have safe spaces where people can be honest about their feelings. It wasn’t just about her words; it was about her presence, her empathy. Their interaction challenged outdated ideas of masculinity and encouraged men to prioritise their mental health.

That moment between Melvin and Oti wasn’t just reality TV to me—it was a wake-up call. It reminded me how much representation and emotional honesty matter, especially in a world that still struggles with both. It was about lifting each other up, breaking harmful cultural norms, and showing that strength isn’t about facing everything alone.

I wish my brother and sister a million blessings - BIG LOVE to Melvin and Oti.