Luke Bateman Skips ‘I’m a Celebrity’ Finale for Literary Pursuits
The jungle dust has settled on the latest season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, with the campmates gathering to witness the grand finale. However, one finalist, Luke Bateman, opted out of the televised showdown, choosing instead to immerse himself in a different kind of challenge: crafting his debut novel. While Gary Sweet also reached the final stages, it was Concetta Caristo who ultimately claimed the title of Queen of the Jungle. Luke, however, remained blissfully unaware of the crowning moment as it unfolded live.
“My manager gave me a call when the announcement and everything happened, so I was aware,” Luke explained. “But I didn’t have my eyes on it.” Instead of watching the dramatic conclusion, the former NRL player, who has since found a significant following as a BookTok sensation, prioritised an early night, signalling a shift in his professional focus.
Trading the Jungle for the Written Word
Luke’s decision to forgo the finale wasn’t born from a lack of interest in the show or its outcome. Rather, he was already deeply engrossed in his next major endeavour: writing his first novel, and indeed, a whole series. Although he announced his book deal with Atria Books Australia for a fantasy series back in 2025, the online reception was a mixed bag. Undeterred, Luke has remained committed to his literary aspirations, placing his writing above even the much-anticipated post-show celebrations.
“My book is the most important thing in my life right now,” he stated emphatically. “I’m currently in Western Queensland. I was sitting in my caravan writing my book last night.”
His upcoming fantasy series is reportedly drawing significant inspiration from the rugged beauty of Australia’s own natural landscapes. This thematic connection explains his current remote location, speaking from his caravan amidst the vast bushland. “I’m out in the bush, and I just look out my windows, and I’m surrounded by trees,” he shared. “I don’t have a typewriter; I have a MacBook, but everything else is right here.”
A Divided Heart: Supporting Charity and a Fellow Campmate
The finale’s result presented Luke with a unique dilemma, leaving him with conflicting desires. “It was really tough for me because I wanted two outcomes,” he admitted. “I wanted my charity to win. I wanted it 100% for my charity, but I also wanted Concetta to win.”
Luke’s chosen charity for the competition was Farm Angels, an organisation he spoke passionately about to Channel 10. He highlighted their crucial role in providing support to farmers during challenging times, offering assistance that can be both financial and personal. “I chose them because they are a charity that is very close to my heart, and they do amazing work helping people in rural communities,” he explained. “It is special to me because I grew up in a rural community and know just how important help is to people isolated in the country.”
Despite his strong commitment to Farm Angels, Luke also harboured a genuine desire to see Concetta crowned the winner. “So, you know, I was really torn because, yeah, because obviously I wanted to win for my charity, but I truly, truly wanted Concetta to be crowned queen.”
Maintaining Connections Beyond the Jungle
Even though he couldn’t make it to the official I’m a Celebrity finale party with his fellow contestants, Luke ensured he remained connected. He sent a selfie to their shared group chat, conveying his well wishes and affection to everyone. “I messaged them all and said, ‘Have a wonderful night together. I love you all’,” he recounted.
More than anything, Luke expressed profound gratitude for the bonds he forged during his time in the jungle. He emphasised that he had “formed many, many good friendships from [his] time in the jungle.” As Luke trades the unpredictable environment of the jungle for the quiet solitude of the bush to pursue his writing career, the excitement for his future as a budding novelist is palpable.
