I'm a Celeb viewer reactions: Maura Higgins has entered the jungle with a bang

Many would call Maura Higgins the unofficial Queen of Ireland, but in a few weeks time will she be crowned Queen of the Jungle? Based on how much hype she has built up for the 2024 edition of I'm a Celeb, you definitely can't rule out the idea of her coming out as the winner.

Having not been part of the initial line-up, fans of Love Island icon Maura Higgins were probably getting worried that rumours she was appearing on the show were just made up. Much to their delight, as well as the delight of anyone who wants their evening telly watch to be entertaining, she was officially revealed on Wednesday night.

With Thursday night's episode giving us the first little taste of what to expect from the Longford native over the next few weeks, Maura has certainly gotten things off to a flying start. She's a naturally entertaining and upbeat person, but it's her take-no-nonsense approach that makes her absolute TV gold no matter the occasion.

How viewers reacted

As you'd expect, Maura was all people could talk about on X. You'd feel bad for Reverend Richard Coles, who joined at the same time as her, because he simply won't create the same level of hype that she will.

You only need to check the comments on this post from the official account to get an idea of what the mood is about her jungle debut.

Couldn’t think of two better people to be put together #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/v3smAmB60O

— I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 22, 2024

Things are rarely straightforward in I'm a Celeb, and the writers put a genius twist on how Maura and Reverend Richard entered the fold. They basically had to try and pull the wool over their fellow campmates' eyes, but Maura for one was more than willing to embrace the fun of it all.

Maura influencing a priest was not on my 2024 bingo card #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/ZFCl2buUuC

— I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 21, 2024

One viewer reminded us all of perhaps her most iconic moment, when she confronted fellow Love Island contestant Tom Walker.

For anyone who doesn’t know who Maura Higgins is, she ate this man up, she’ll take no shit 👀 #imaceleb #imacelebrity pic.twitter.com/VBOPAhpvl3

— tasha louise ♡ (@eds_afterglow) November 20, 2024

Another viewer thinks that her and the Reverend could be this year's surprise friendship, and we are here for it.

Every year there’s the friendship no one expected and this year it’s Maura Higgins and reverend Richard Coles #imaceleb #imacelebrity pic.twitter.com/Cf8b8gBLHr

— tasha louise ♡ (@eds_afterglow) November 21, 2024

It's also worth giving a shout out to the producers who came up with the idea of bringing Maura Higgins into the jungle. Granted she would be a good addition to pretty much any TV show, but you still have to give credit where it's due!

the producers this year are actually comedy gold. They have put Maura Higgins in a camp with a priest and she is trying to convince him to lie. Fr the devil and the priest #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/01FJKVuNhm

— Steve (@SteveMooney00) November 21, 2024

If Maura continues as she has started, we fully expect her to still be in the running to be crowned the 2024 Queen of the Jungle.