Struggling with health issues, he falters. 😊
For the very first time, a Jungle Trial unfolded without the presence of the legendary Dr. Bob! Ambushing viewers on the 14th day of the Legends season, currently airing on RTL+ and RTL, an unforeseen event transpired following a two-decade streak. The beloved Robert "Bob" McCarron (74), the British-Australian medic, was unable to attend due to his ailing state. Dr. Bob has been a staple on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" since its debut in 2004.
"He's really under the weather," presenter Sonja Zietlow (56) delivered the news, bewildering the day's contestants, Elena Miras (32) and Georgina Fleur (34), during the May broadcast.
Stepping Up: Jan Köppen
As disclosed by the network's report, special effects artist and EMT Jan Köppen (41) clinched the opportunity to fill in for him. Köppen himself battled illness early in the peculiar South African-filmed series, with Zietlow graciously helming the show singlehandedly.
However, this won't mark the solitary occasion of Dr. Bob's absence. Köppen is anticipated to take the stage once more on day 15, briefing the contestants about the safety protocols associated with tasks.
Who joins the fold on this fairytale day remains undecided. Nonetheless, it's evident that at least one of the surviving contestants will participate, if not multiple. Besides Miras and Fleur, the pool includes Kader Loth (51), Danni Büchner (46), Sarah Knappik (37), Mola Adebisi (51), Gigi Birofio (25), and Eric Stehfest (35).
Bidding farewell to esteemed legends like Thorsten Legat (55), Giulia Siegel (49), Winfried Glatzeder (79), Hanka Rackwitz (55), and David Ortega (39), the distinctive season, "I'm a Celebrity... Jungle Legends Showdown" (airing the following day on RTL linear TV, with the contemporary episode available on RTL+), proceeds.
"Who fills Dr. Bob's shoes in the upcoming challenge?" one of the contestants may inquire, intrigued by the facelift in the protocol.
"That'd be Jan Köppen," Sonja Zietlow might respond, answering with a soothing demeanor, "an experienced artist in special effects and emergency services."
