Influencer GK Barry has said she “can’t” confirm whether she turned down Strictly Come Dancing to appear on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. Speaking to Metro ahead of the Pride Awards, the 25-year-old opened up about her recent TV appearances.
GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has become a regular panellist on Loose Women and came 5th in the 2024 series of I’m a Celebrity. It has been previously reported that Keeling was originally lined up for the dancing competition, but after reports of a toxic environment on the show, she opted for the jungle instead. Now, Keeling has given some insight into the rumours.
“I turned down a show, but I can’t say which show,” Grace told Metro while on the red carpet. When asked if she was glad she ended up picking I’m A Celebrity over the unnamed show, she said: “Yeah, definitely. I think I’m A Celebrity allowed me to show my personality a little bit more.”
Previously, sources told The Sun: “She did have several meetings with Strictly, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the best fit and is keen to pursue her telly career with ITV.”
At the Metro Pride Awards, Keeling won the Rising Star Award. When she accepted she opened up about her coming out story, which she shared with her fellow campmates whilst on I’m a Celebrity.
“When I came out of I’m A Celebrity, I didn’t know they aired my coming out story. So for me it was like ‘I’m gay!’ and my parents were like ‘Cool, so we’re having lasagne tonight’ so it wasn’t really a big deal for me.
“But it feels really amazing to be a part of this amazing community where we all support each other as a lot of people don’t have that support.”