As I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! crowned its new King of the Jungle, Mancunians had more than just reality TV to talk about. This year’s winner, “Angry Ginge”, didn’t just capture the nation’s hearts – he also seems to have sparked a wave of wanderlust across Greater Manchester.
At John Mason International, we’ve seen a notable rise in relocation enquiries from Greater Manchester since I’m a Celeb returned to our screens. Enquiries about moving to Australia have jumped by more than 20% since mid-November, suggesting the timing is more than a coincidence.
It seems that, as viewers tuned in to cheer on Angry Ginge and fellow Mancunian rapper Aitch, they were also soaking up the sights of life Down Under – sunshine, open space, and a slower pace of life that feels worlds away from a northern winter.
The I’m a Celeb Effect: Mancunians Eye Sunny Shores
For many across the UK, the dark nights and drizzle of November are enough to make anyone crave sunshine. So, when two proud Mancs turned up in an Australian jungle full of optimism (and the occasional cockroach), they unwittingly reminded viewers how appealing a fresh start could be.
Normally, relocation enquiries dip towards the end of the year. But this year’s I’m a Celeb buzz has brought a surge in interest – particularly from Greater Manchester – with more people asking about exciting destinations like Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
Simon Hood, Executive Director at John Mason International, believes the cultural pull of the show plays a big role:
“With more than 7.3 million viewers watching this year’s series, the show has this fascinating way of capturing the public mood. Each season, we see a little ripple effect. People connect emotionally with what they see on screen, and that sometimes prompts real-world action. For some Mancunians, seeing someone like Angry Ginge thrive in Australia might just be the final push they need.”
And it makes sense, between the backdrop of palm trees, beach life, and a friendly Aussie welcome, it’s easy to imagine swapping those commutes down Oxford Road for strolls along the coastline.
Australia Still Tops British Relocation Wishlists
Of course, it’s not just jungle fever driving this spike in interest. Moving abroad has become a growing trend across the UK since the pandemic. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that 693,000 people left the UK since June 2024, an increase of 43,000 compared to the previous year.
Simon explains that the drivers behind this shift are deeper than sunshine alone:
“More people than ever are considering relocation abroad and seeing figures like Ginge and Aitch in environments like the Jungle, having a blast, could be the last push they need to consider relocating abroad. At John Mason International, we relocate more than 10,000 people a year, but there’s definitely been a surge nationwide post-COVID. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen, people are assessing whether the UK is truly the right option for them – and more often than not, they’re concluding their future depends on relocation abroad.”
For many Mancunians, Australia is an obvious choice. English-speaking, family-friendly, and full of opportunities, it offers an unbeatable outdoor lifestyle that contrasts perfectly with the grey skies of the North West. From BBQs on the beach to careers in booming cities like Perth and Melbourne, it’s easy to see why so many are inspired to make the move.
Could You Be Next to Go Down Under?
Whether you’ve been motivated by the King of the Jungle himself or simply fancy trading the M62 for the Pacific Highway, there’s never been a better time to plan your move.
At John Mason International, our specialists make the journey simple and stress-free, from door-to-door removals and pet relocation to customs guidance and storage solutions across the UK and Australia. We’ve been helping people take the leap for more than a century, and our expert team is here to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
If the jungle has you dreaming of sunnier horizons, start with our International Removals to Australia guide. Whether you’re chasing new opportunities, better weather, or just your own taste of Down Under adventure, we’ll help turn that dream into reality – no Bushtucker Trials required!