Bernard Tomic’s experience of the jungle wasn’t what he expected after he quit reality TV show I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here!
The former top 20 player entered the TV series less than a week ago, prompting criticism from Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt. During his brief experience on the show, which features celebrities conducting a series of tasks whilst living in a jungle, Tomic bailed on his first challenge. Shortly after that, he told his fellow camp mates that he was contemplating leaving the jungle, but never did.
Tomic confirmed his departure on Tuesday. He said that he was ‘feeling depressed’ during his time on the show as he reflect upon the current state of his tennis career.
“I thought I’d be super happy, camping for the first time, being around new people … Half the time during the day, I’m just depressed,” he said on his time on the show.
“I’ve never really had time to think about my thoughts. I’ve always had people around, my mobile phone … everything was so fast-paced. Everything’s slowed down in the last few days.
“I don’t want to spend half my time depressed here, you know? Thinking about how I played last year and where I should be.”
Ranked as high as 17th in the world once, Tomic has spiralled down the ATP rankings by over 130 places. He has only played in one tournament so far this season, losing in the final round of qualifying at the Australian Open. Last year he only managed to win 10 matches on the ATP Tour.
Speaking about his departure from the show, the 25-year-old said it was the ‘wrong decision’ to take part in the programme. Later saying that ‘he just wants to be happy.’ It is unclear as to what Tomic will do next as he faces the prospect of falling further down the ATP rankings. He has stated that he will resume training.
"I don't love tennis, tennis has never been my love." #TomicWalks #ImACelebrityAU
— #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) January 30, 2018
Network 10 under fire
The departure of the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist comes as some criticized the decision to allow him to participate. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, who is a renowned Australian Psychologist, has slammed the show for casting Tomic given his current mental state.
“He appeared to me to be in a very low mood,” Dr Carr-Gregg told news.com.au. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say he was clinically depressed but I would say he didn’t seem to me to be in a psychological state to be put through what he was put through.
“I question the wisdom of having someone who’s so young — he’s only 25 — and whether or not he’s in a good psychological space.
“I would question the wisdom of the producers of putting someone in that scenario who is not 100 per cent. It’s obviously a very challenging thing to have to go through.”
Network Ten, which broadcasts the show, has hit back at the allegations of negligence. In a statement, a spokesperson said that each contestant underwent a medical evaluation prior to their participation.
“All celebrities undergo vigorous medical and psychological testing before entering the jungle. Network Ten takes its duty of care very seriously and if any concerns were raised by experts after this testing, a celebrity would be advised not to take part in the program.”
Tomic is the first person in history to quit the Australian version of I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here.
