Most viewers know that I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! forces famous contestants to surrender almost every comfort of their normal lives — from hot showers to normal meals and even the simple ability to tell the time. But fewer people realise that one legendary contestant once received special smoking privileges that no one else in the show’s history has ever been granted.

As part of the deal when entering the jungle, celebrities must cope with the drastic switch from luxury living to a survival-style existence: days filled with creepy-crawlies, evenings around a campfire, and a strict diet of rice and beans unless they win challenges. Contestants also agree to abide by a number of rules designed to prevent unhealthy habits from being glamorised on screen. That includes smoking.

Producers, understandably, are cautious about how smoking is portrayed. To avoid promoting nicotine use, celebrities who smoke can only do so away from cameras, and vapers must have a doctor’s prescription due to Australian regulations. While cigarettes are technically unlimited, access is carefully managed, and campmates must follow guidelines on when and where they can light up — restrictions that often frustrate those used to smoking freely at home.

But there was one notable exception.

The only contestant ever given special smoking privileges was the late Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne, who appeared on season two of the Australian edition of I’m A Celebrity, filmed in South Africa in 2016. His legendary status — both as a sporting icon and as a national personality — led producers to bend the rules in a way they never had before.

There are a lot of rules involved in camp life (ITV)

This behind-the-scenes detail was revealed by TV presenter Dr Chris Brown during a 2023 interview on KIIS FM’s Jase and Lauren radio show. Brown explained:

“There’s rules for Warnie and there’s rules for everyone else.
No one else has ever got the privileges that Warnie got.”

According to him, Warne was granted specific, unscheduled “smoko breaks”, allowing him to step away from the camp whenever necessary to satisfy his nicotine cravings. Warne had long been open about his smoking habit, and producers apparently deemed it necessary to give him extra leniency to keep him comfortable — a move that reflected his enormous stature in Australian sport and pop culture.

Brown added:

“He is the only one that has ever been able to have special Warnie time.”

For anyone spending weeks cramped in a jungle camp with total strangers, that kind of freedom would be considered a major luxury. Warne ultimately finished the season in fifth place, meaning that once eliminated, he was finally free to smoke as much as he pleased without restrictions.

Shane Warne received special 'smoko' privileges (ITV Australia)

His time on the show has since become part of the unofficial folklore of I’m A Celeb, remembered not only for his personality but also for the fact that he remains the only contestant to ever receive such a personalised rule — a true testament to his unique celebrity status.

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Sources (LADbible, Digital Spy, KIIS FM)